1. Managing Severe Allergies within Schools

2. What is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction. At the extreme end of the allergic spectrum. The whole body is affected usually within minutes of exposure to the allergen. It can take seconds or several hours.

3. Definition of Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis involves one or both of two features: - Respiratory difficulty (swelling of the airway or asthma). Hypotension (fainting, collapse or unconsciousness).

4. What are the symptoms? Swelling of the mouth or throat. Difficulty in swallowing or speaking. Alterations in the heart rate. Hives anywhere on the body. Abdominal cramps and nausea. Sudden feeling of weakness. Difficulty breathing. Collapse and unconsciousness.

5. What exactly is going on? An anaphylaxis reaction is caused by the sudden release of chemical substances, including histamine, from cells in the blood and tissues where they are stored.An anaphylaxis reaction is caused by the sudden release of chemical substances, including histamine, from cells in the blood and tissues where they are stored. The release is triggered by the reaction between allergic antibodies (IgE) and the allergen.The release is triggered by the reaction between allergic antibodies (IgE) and the allergen.

6. Types of Reaction Uni-phasic – rapidly developing severe reaction involving the airway or circulation. Bi-phasic – early oral and abdominal symptoms, then a symptom-free period of 1-2 hours, then increasing symptoms involving breathing and circulation.

7. Common causes Peanuts Tree nuts MilkEggSesameFishShellfishWaspBeeLatexPenicillin Blood products DrugsKiwi

8. Treatments Adrenaline is the mainstay of treatment:- Reverses swelling. Relieves asthma. Constricts the blood vessels. Stimulates the heartbeats. Antihistamines and asthma inhalers

9. Devices Epipen Auto injector: - Adult dose 0.3mgs Child dose 0.15mgs 2year shelf life

10. Devices Anapen auto injector: - Adult dose 0.3mgs Child dose 0.15mgs 18 – 24 month shelf life

11. Storage Accessible. Avoid extremes of temperature. Clearly labelled. In date.

12. Management in schools Allergen avoidance. Early recognition of symptoms. Crisis management.

13. Allergen avoidance Know the child, and their allergies. Be allergy aware and risk assess. Special occasions. School trips. Cookery lessons, science experiments. School pets, bird tables.

14. Crisis Management Alleviating fear Indemnity insurance. Individual protocols.

15. What to do in an allergic reaction? Stay calm. Call for help. Using protocol assess the reaction. Give emergency treatment. Make a note of the time. Monitor closely until ambulance arrives.

16. How to use an Auto Injector

17. If asthmatic give reliever via spacer (2 puffs) another 8 puffsgive reliever via spacer (2 puffs) another 8 puffs 1 puff per minute can be given be1 puff per minute can be given be Additional Medication Anti-histamine medication can be given, if prescribed. See Childs Health Care Plan

19. Who’s responsible for what? Written consent. Provide school with full information. Ensure medicine is in date.

20. A few things to think about! “ Will a supply teacher know who I am?” Kissing can seriously damage your health! Other training needs? e.g. Breakfast and after school clubs, school discos, sports clubs. School visitors, bus drivers/escorts. Mid-day supervisors, catering staff.

21. Want more information? Contact the Anaphylaxis Campaign Tel: 01252 542029 www.anaphylaxis.org.uk www.allergyinschools.org.uk Schools pack Video/DVD Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings. DH/DfES.