Allergies

AnaphylaxisCaring for Children in a Community Program2013-04-02

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AllergiesExcessive reaction to a normally harmless substance (allergen)Immune system creates IgE antibodies in response to allergenWhen exposed to allergen, IgE antibodies cause symptomsVary from mild to life-threatening2

AnaphylaxisSevere allergic reaction Extreme total body reactionCan result in death due to airway obstruction or a severe drop in blood pressureCan be triggered by minute amounts of an allergen

3AllergensFOODPeanutsNutsMilkEggs FishShellfishWheatSesame Soy

OTHERInsect stingsMedicationLatex

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Risk Reduction Avoidance of allergens is the only way to prevent an anaphylactic reactionGreatest risk of exposure to food allergens occurs in new situations

What risk reduction strategies are implemented in your community program?

5Establishing an allergen aware policySupervision of young children while eatingNo trading or sharing of food or utensilsHand washing before and after eatingCleaning surfaces

Common Risk Reduction Strategies

6Signs of Anaphylaxis(Think F.A.S.T)Stomach severe vomitingsevere diarrheasevere crampsTotal bodyswellinghivesitchinesssense of doomchange in behaviorpale or bluish skindizzinessfaintingloss of consciousnessFace red watery eyesrunny noseitchinessredness swellinghives

Airwaythroat tightnesschange of voicedifficulty swallowingdifficulty breathingcoughingwheezing

7Epinephrine Constricts blood vessels, relaxes airway muscles, reduces swelling, reduces release of chemicals that cause allergic reaction, stimulates heartSide effects include rapid heart rate, paleness, dizziness, weakness, tremors, headacheAnti-histamines are not used

If ANY combination of signs is present and there is reason to suspect anaphylaxis, give epinephrine If in doubt, TREAT!

8Anaphylaxis & Asthma Children are at higher risk for severe allergic reactions if they also have asthmaIf uncertain if child is having anaphylactic reaction or asthma episode, give epinephrine first

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Adrenaline Auto-injectors

Spring-loaded syringe with concealed needleEpiPen, Twinject, Allerject2 dosages (0.15 mg, 0.3 mg)Stored at room temperatureHas expiry dateShould be kept with child Twinject has 2nd dose that cannot be administered by community program

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How to Use Adrenaline Auto-injectorSecure child`s leg.Identify injection area on outer middle thigh. Grasp adrenaline auto-injector in your fist.Remove safety cap(s).5. Firmly press tip into thigh at 90 angle until you hear a click.6. Hold in place for a slow count of 5. 7. Discard adrenaline auto-injector safely or give to EMS personnel.

11Inject adrenaline auto-injector.Activate 911/EMS. Notify parent/guardian.If signs persist or recur, give backup adrenaline auto-injector (if available) every 5 to 15 minutes.Stay with child until EMS personnel arrive.

How to Respond to an Anaphylactic Reaction12Child Specific InformationIt is important to be aware of the children with anaphylaxis in your care AND:their life threatening allergen(s)the location of their adrenaline auto-injector

This information is includedin the childs Anaphylaxis Health Care Plan 13