Types of allergic reactions

It is fairly common for people to have mild allergies, but some people can experience an acute reaction to a substance or a food. The medical term for this is anaphylaxis. An allergic response can develop after touching, swallowing, tasting, eating or breathing in a particular substance. Examples include nuts (especially peanuts), fish & shellfish, milk and eggs. Reactions can also occur with insect stings and natural rubber latex.

Mild to moderate symptoms of an allergy

• Itchy tingling or burning sensation in the mouth 
• Rapid development of rash, hives or weals
• Intense itching
• Swelling, particularly the face
• Feeling hot or very chilled
• Rising anxiety
• Feeling flushed
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Mild wheeziness

Acute reactions: anaphylaxis

• Difficulty breathing due to swelling within the throat and airway
• Reduced level of consciousness, faint, floppy, very pale, blue lips, unresponsive - due to a drop in blood pressure.
• Collapse

Managing allergic reactions

• For children and young people with acute allergic reactions, an Individual Healthcare Plan should be drawn up with their families, using input from the child or young person's medical team.
• Treatment if a reaction occurs may include adrenaline injections using a device preloaded with the correct dose.
• This should be stored in an accessible place with the student's name on it and checked regularly for shelf life (usually one year).
• All schools should have a trained staff member on hand, and all staff should be aware of learners with severe allergies.

Managing an allergic reaction 

• Emergency medication should be available at all times.Someone trained should always be available to administer it. These details should be in a school's Medical Needs Policy. 
• Listen to the student. They will generally know if they are experiencing a reaction.
• Act quickly. Severe reactions can be fatal.
• Materials used in Art, DT, and Food Technology may cause a problem; try to find an alternative so that all students can participate in the lesson.

School outings

• An emergency plan and medication need to be available.
• As part of the risk assessment, identify the nearest Hospital Accident & Emergency Department.