Managing Allergies & Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and can be life-threatening.

In an allergic reaction, the immune system releases histamine which causes body tissue to swell and leak. While most reactions are mild to moderate, such as swelling of the face, runny nose and itchy hives, in some cases, reactions to certain triggers* can cause swelling in the airways and/or the circulatory system (blood vessels etc). This can cause difficulty in breathing and/or a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to collapse. These are potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the only medicine known to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis, by opening-up the airways, strengthening the heartbeat and raising blood pressure.

EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injectors contain adrenaline, and are used for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. EpiPen® Auto-Injector is quick and easy to use in an emergency, designed so that it can be administered by a non-medical person such as a parent, friend, teacher, childcare worker or by the patient themselves. The school has easily accessible EpiPen® Auto-Injectors and staff are trained in their use.

How can my child avoid nuts?

Avoidance of nuts involves knowing the common food sources of nuts, how to read food labels and knowledge of possible sources of contamination with nut. Although nuts are a good source of protein, iron and some vitamins, removing them from the diet has little effect on overall nutritional intake for most children.

Label Reading:

• Ingredients List - all packaged foods must have an ingredients list. Check the ingredients list carefully for any ingredients that contain peanut or tree nuts every time you buy the food as the ingredients of the product may change. Be aware that other words may be used for peanut in other countries.

• “May contain traces of peanut and/or tree nut” statements are used by manufacturers to indicate that the product may be contaminated with nut through processing and packaging. The wording of the statements makes it very difficult to determine your level of risk and a product that does not contain the statement may be no safer than a product that does.

Key Safety Practices

• Nelson Central School is a nut free zone - please ensure your child does not bring peanuts / peanut butter to school.

• No food sharing: Children should take their own peanut/tree nut free food from home with them to school, and never trade or share snacks, drinks, or utensils.

• Handwashing: All students should wash and dry their hands with soap and water, and clean their teeth, after eating to remove sticky residues like peanut butter, before coming to school. Students should be washing hands during the day especially around eating times.

For more information please visit Allergy New Zealand

or The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne

*The main triggers for anaphylaxis are allergies to peanuts and other foods, bee or wasp venom, medicines (drugs and natural health products) or latex.