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Anaphylaxis in the School

This page was reviewed or revised on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:59 AM

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic response that occurs when a person is exposed to an allergy causing substance (allergen) to which he or she has previously been sensitized.

• the allergen enters the blood stream causing the release of chemicals throughout the body that try to protect it from the foreign substance
• the immune system goes overboard in anaphylaxis
• initial signs and symptoms may appear within a few seconds, or up to two hours after exposure.

Common Causes of Anaphylaxis

Stings:
Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants.

Foods:
Peanuts, milk eggs, shellfish, whitefish, other nuts, and food additives.

Medications:
Certain antibiotics, seizure medications, muscle relaxants, ASA, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

• itching of skin and a raised rash (hives)
• flushing, swelling of the tissues of the lips, throat, tongue, hands, and/or feet
• wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, hoarseness
• headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
• sense of impending doom, loss of consciousness

The EpiPen®

• a disposable drug delivery system which gives a measured dose of adrenaline or epinephrine
• spring activated
• concealed needle
• intramuscular injection

Adrenaline/Epinephrine

• a quick acting natural hormone produced in two glands sitting above each kidney
• released when we meet an emergency
• tightens up blood vessels
• increases heart rate
• widens air passages in the lungs
• gives us feeling of alertness, shakiness
• prepares the body for "fight or flight"
• works against the effects of anaphylaxis

When to Use EpiPen

Use the EpiPen during an allergic reaction if a person experiences:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling in throat causing difficulty swallowing
• wheezing
• raspy cough
• fainting, collapse, or loss of conscious

How to tell the Difference Between Fainting and Anaphylaxis 
 

	Anaphylaxis	Fainting
Colour	Typically PINK	Typically PALE
Pulse	Fast	Slow
Other Symptoms	Rash and Swelling

How to Use EpiPen

• Pull off the grey safety cap.
• Place the tip of the device (black end) at the middle part of the outer thigh. Do not use buttock or close to the knee.
• Activate the EpiPen by pushing firmly. There will be a click when the hidden needle ejects forward into the thigh muscle.

Treatment of Anaphylaxis

1. ensure a second person has called 911 as soon as the decision to use the EpiPen is made
2. inform 911 operator of possible anaphylaxis and use of EpiPen
3. notify the family or designate of the situation
4. if available, a second EpiPen may be used in 15 minutes if there is no improvement or if the allergic reaction recurs

Side Effects of Epinephrine

• Usually Minor - dizziness
• anxiety
• increased Heart Rate
• headache
• fear
• shakiness
   

If You’re Not Sure ...

DO give Epinephrine if in doubt
 

If you think:

• there may be any risk to life because of difficulty in breathing, or;
• because it seems possible the patient is beginning to feel faint;
• the earlier you give the epinephrine, the better it will work!

For a complete package of Food Allergy Facts

Contact the Community Health Services at
519-383-8331 or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839