Transcript Anaphylaxsis - Phoenix Union High School District

ANAPHYLAXIS
A Severe Allergy
Arizona School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act
(SB1421) Passed on September 24, 2013
What does it mean for our schools?
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Requires training of all staff in the Recognition of the Symptoms of
ANAPHYLAXSIS and How to Provide Assistance
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Allows schools to stock and administer auto-injectable epinephrine
and protects trained staff members from civil liability
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Allows training of non nurse staff members in the administration of
auto-injectable epinephrine
WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
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 ANAPHYLAXIS?
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Occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen causing a severe, lifethreatening allergic response
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Reactions occur within minutes or, more rarely, up to a few hours after
exposure
SYMPTOMS of ANAPHYLAXIS
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Skin – hives , swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash
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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
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Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
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Cardiovascular (heart): pale/blue color, weak pulse, passing out,
dizzy/lightheaded, shock
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Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom”, headache, uterine cramps in
females, metallic taste
How a student may describe symptoms of Anaphylaxis
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This food is too spicy
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My tongue is hot (or burning)
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It feels like something is poking my tongue
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My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning)
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My tongue (or mouth) itches
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It (my tongue) feels like there is hair on it
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My mouth feels funny
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There’s a frog in my throat
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There’s something stuck in my throat
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My tongue feels full (or heavy)
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My lips feel tight
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It feels like there are bugs in there (to describe itchy ears)
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It (my throat) feels thick
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It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue (throat)
Why Are Our Students At Higher Risk?
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Increased independence
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Increased risk taking behavior ‘invincible’
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Eating unsafe food, sharing food, and eating out
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Not carrying auto injector-( lack insurance coverage, $, understanding, etc.)
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The part of the brain that makes decisions is the last to mature
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Not telling friends, wanting to fit in
or
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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:
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Awareness
Know the triggers
Know the emergency plan and how to administer epinephrine via the auto-injector
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Avoidance
Avoid contact with allergens
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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
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Recognize the symptoms
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Allow student to administer single dose auto-injector
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Call the Security/Nurse
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***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?
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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!
The End