ANAPHYLAXIS A Severe Allergy

Arizona School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (SB1421) Passed on September 24, 2013 What does it mean for our schools?  Requires training of all staff in the Recognition of the Symptoms of ANAPHYLAXSIS and How to Provide Assistance  Allows schools to stock and administer auto-injectable epinephrine and protects trained staff members from civil liability  Allows training of non nurse staff members in the administration of auto-injectable epinephrine

Allergies occur when the immune system becomes unusually sensitive and overreacts to common substances that are normally harmless. Examples are: Foods – peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk eggs, seafood, soy, wheat, sulphites and mustard Insect bites – bees, wasps, hornets and some ants Medications – penicillin, sulfa drugs Exercise Latex – gloves/medical devices WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?

WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS?  Occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen causing a severe, life- threatening allergic response  Reactions occur within minutes or, more rarely, up to a few hours after exposure

SYMPTOMS of ANAPHYLAXIS  Skin – hives, swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash  Respiratory (breathing) – wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain/tightness, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing  Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea  Cardiovascular (heart): pale/blue color, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy/lightheaded, shock  Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom”, headache, uterine cramps in females, metallic taste

How a student may describe symptoms of Anaphylaxis  This food is too spicy  My tongue is hot (or burning)  It feels like something is poking my tongue  My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning)  My tongue (or mouth) itches  It (my tongue) feels like there is hair on it  My mouth feels funny  There’s a frog in my throat  There’s something stuck in my throat  My tongue feels full (or heavy)  My lips feel tight  It feels like there are bugs in there (to describe itchy ears)  It (my throat) feels thick  It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue (throat)

Why Are Our Students At Higher Risk?  Increased independence  Increased risk taking behavior ‘invincible’  Eating unsafe food, sharing food, and eating out  Not carrying auto injector-( lack insurance coverage, $, understanding, etc.)  The part of the brain that makes decisions is the last to mature  Not telling friends, wanting to fit in or  Their first exposure/ reaction occurs at school *One in 13 kids has a food allergy and 25 percent have their first reaction at school

People with a risk of risk of ANAPHYLAXIS are taught to follow the THREE A’S:  Awareness Know the triggers Know the emergency plan and how to administer epinephrine via the auto-injector  Avoidance Avoid contact with allergens  Action Give auto-injector and call 911. Don’t delay!

What Should I Do?  Be aware of students who have a risk of ANAPHYLAXIS in your classroom/school  Recognize the symptoms  Allow student to administer single dose auto-injector  Call the Security/Nurse  ***Call 911 if you cannot reach someone immediately *Epinephrine is the only way to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis. Must be given ASAP *Epinephrine may only last for 15 minutes, calling 911 is very important

How Can I Help AFTER The Student Uses Their EPI PEN And Before Help Arrives?  If dizzy or faint have student lie down  If nauseated or vomiting, have the student lie on their side to prevent choking  If breathing is difficult the student may sit up  Loosen tight clothing and cover student with blanket  Don’t give the student anything to drink Do Not Leave the Student Alone!

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