anaphylaxis inservice
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Managing Allergies & Anaphylaxis At School
Use of the EpiPen at school
Punxsutawney Area School District
Allergies occur when your immune system becomes unusually sensitive and overreacts to common substances such as pollen, mould, dust or food.
When these substances cause an allergic
reaction, they are called allergens.
Allergens enter the body through:
The Mouth The Nose
Touch Injection
Allergic reactions can occur in the:
upper respiratory system
lower respiratory system
skin
digestive system
as a generalized reaction called
anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and/or cardiovascular system.
Common Causes ofAnaphylaxis
Food
Medications
Insect Venom
Exercise
Latex
EpiPen
Symptoms of AnAnaphylactic ReactionSymptoms usually occur within several minutes
following contact with the allergen & proceed rapidly
The most distinctive symptoms include:
hives swelling of the throat, lips, tongue or around
the eyes difficulty breathing or swallowing • Hives may be entirely absent, especially in severe
or near-fatal cases of anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of AnAnaphylactic Reaction
Other common symptoms include:a metallic taste or tingling in the mouth flushing, itching, or redness of the skinnausea, vomiting, or diarrheadizziness or lightheadedness increased heart rate feelings of fear or panic loss of consciousness
Remember…
It takes only 1 to 2 minutes for a mild allergic reaction to escalate to anaphylaxis
When is anaphylaxis most likely to occur?
New situationsNormal daily routines are interrupted eg.
birthday parties and school tripsDuring teenage years
(increasing independence, relaxed precautions, reluctance to carry medication)
Preventing Anaphylaxis1. Awareness
Know causes and triggers Know emergency plan
2. Avoidance Do not let student come in contact with allergen Check ingredients every time
if unsure, do not let student eat it offer students an alternative choice in food
Do not let students share lunches, snacks, containers or utensils
Avoid bulk foods Be aware of cross-contamination - wash surfaces
with board approved solutions
3. Action Administer EpiPen & Call 911
Have An Emergency Plan
A child with a life-threatening allergy should carry an EpiPen at all times.
An additional EpiPen(s) should be easily accessible
It is important to have one EpiPen available for every 10 -20 minutes
What is an EpiPen?
An EpiPen is a disposable drug delivery system with a spring-activated, concealed needle designed for emergency administration.
EpiPens are available in 2 strengths: EpiPen Jr Smaller amount of
epinephrine
EpiPen Larger amount of epinephrine
What is in an EpiPen? EpiPens are an effective way to administer a drug called
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Epinephrine by injection is the treatment of choice for
anaphylactic reactions. Epinephrine works quickly to:
constrict blood vessels relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing stimulate the heart beat reverse hives and swelling around the face and lips.
Adrenalin may cause some tremor & increased heart rate, but does not have major adverse reaction
Play it safe. Administer the adrenalin. The child will not be harmed if it is not a genuine allergic reaction.
Using an Epi-Pen
Grasp EpiPen with the black tip pointing down( 911 is being called at same time)
With your other hand
pull off the blue safety cap.
Using an Epi-Pen
Hold the black tip near the outer thigh.
Swing and jab firmly into the outer thigh.
Hold firmly in thigh for approx. 10 seconds (Count to 10).
Remove Epi-Pen and massage injection area.
After the Administration of the EpiPenSeek emergency medical attention as EpiPen is
being administered If symptoms return or there is no
improvement in 10-20 minutes a second dose may be required.
Side effects of Epinephrine include:• Nervousness• Increased heart rate• Sweating• Nausea / Vomiting• Headache• Dizziness
Special Tips About Using EpiPens
If you suspect an anaphylactic emergency, administer the EpiPen and call 911
The effects of epinephrine when not needed:
Increased Heart Rate
Nervousness
The possible effect of not administering epinephrine in anaphylaxis:
Death
*Always seek medical attention after the administration of an EpiPen
Special Tips About Using EpiPens
Never put fingers over the black tip when removing the safety cap, or after the safety cap has been removed.
Periodically check the expiry date and condition of stored EpiPens.
Keep EpiPens at room temperature. Do not expose them to extreme cold, heat or direct sunlight.
Place the EpiPen on bare skin if possible. In an emergency, the EpiPen can be used directly through clothing.
References
Anaphylaxis Canada416 Moore Ave., Suite 306, Toronto, OntarioM4G 1C9 Telephone: 416-85-566E-mail: [email protected]
Canadian School Boards Association130 Slater Street, Suite 350, Ottawa, OntarioK1P 6E2 Telephone: 613-235-3724E-mail: admin@cds\nsba.org
Allergy Asthma Information Association (National Office)P.O. Box 100, Etobicoke, OntarioM4K 5K9 Telephone: 416-679-9521E-mail: [email protected], www.aaia.ca
Canadian Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology
774 Echo Dr., Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 5N8 Telephone: 613-730-8177
E-mail: [email protected]
The Hospital for Sick Children555 University Ave, Toronto, OntarioTelephone: 416-813-5300E-mail: www.sickkids.on.ca
Collins ConsultingE-mail: [email protected]
Toronto Catholic District School BoardSuperintendent of Special ServicesTelephone: 416-222-8282 ext. 2486
The End of the PASD Anaphylaxis Inservice
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