I recently did a workshop at Westmead Children’s Hospital on allergy and anaphylaxis.

An allergy is “when our immune system reacts to substances which are normally harmless such as foods, dust mites, pollens or insects”. An allergic reaction can be mild or severe with the most severe being anaphylaxis.

Some common causes of anaphylaxis include:

• Food: peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, egg, cow’s milk, shellfish, fish, soy
• Insects: bees, wasps, jumper ants, ticks, fire ants
• Medications: antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories eg. Nurofen

An allergic reaction can progress from mild to severe but anaphylaxis can occur without any previous symptoms.

Signs & symptoms of mild to moderate allergic reaction:

• Swelling of lips, eyes or face
• Hives or welts
• Tingling mouth
• Abdominal pain or vomiting (common reaction to insects)

Signs & symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty/noisy breathing
• Tightness of throat
• Swelling of tongue
• Hoarse voice and/or difficulty talking
• Wheezing
• Persistent dizziness or collapse
• Pale and floppy (in young children)

ANY ONE OF THESE IS A SIGN OF ANAPHYLAXIS

Approximately 80% of children grow out of their milk or egg allergies by age 16 years. However a peanut allergy is considered a persistent allergy. Teens can become complacent and need to be reminded to always carry their adrenaline auto injector, especially when eating away from home. Keep in mind that adolescents and young adults with a food allergy and poorly controlled asthma are at greater risk.

Please ensure you have a current action plan and epipen/anapen in the clinic.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse

Ph: 95689426 Mob: 0407004738

m.bates@newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au