What if the worst possible thing were to happen to your child when he or she is out of your sight (and care) at school? What if your child went into a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis?
It could happen, you know. Is your child prepared? Does he or she know what to do to prevent such an attack – or how to act if it happens?
Anaphylaxis or allergic shock, as it's sometimes called, is a severe, life-threatening condition, but it is relatively rare. Although some kids are more likely to develop anaphylaxis because of the nature of their allergic disease, it's important to understand that anaphylaxis can strike at any time and totally without warning, even if your child has never experienced anything remotely close in the past.
It's also critical to understand that anaphylaxis symptoms can sometimes be very similar to those of an asthma attack, so they're hard to recognize at first. Finally, survival of allergic shock will depend on fast treatment with epinephrine. Antihistamines (allergy medicine) or quick-relief/rescue inhalers (asthma medicine) won't work. Only epinephrine.
There is no reason why your child cannot live a normal, active life, as long as you have a plan.
The key to preparing for anaphylaxis can be summed up in 3 general strategies:
- Education
- Prevention
- Protection
Let's look at each one in turn.
Education: Knowledge Is Power!
The first step in protecting your child from anaphylaxis is education. This starts with you learning all you can about anaphylaxis, then teaching your child and school staff, so that everyone knows the dangers, what to expect, and how to act.
You can find general information on anaphylaxis in my previous article here, including common symptoms to be on the watch for. The Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) also offers a detailed booklet on anaphylaxis.
Key facts to know are common triggers for anaphylaxis. Food allergies, especially to peanuts and tree nuts, are probably the most common. But stinging insects, such as wasps, hornets, and fire ants, and latex, which is found in disposable gloves and balloons, can also send sensitive people into allergic shock, even if they've never been allergic to them before. Even exercise can be a trigger in certain people.
Another key fact is that kids who have asthma are much more prone to anaphylaxis, which is especially dangerous since anaphylaxis symptoms can mimic asthma symptoms. It's essential to recognize that if asthma symptoms arise shortly after eating, anaphylaxis should be suspected.
Once you've educated yourself about anaphylaxis, make sure your child understands what it is and how to respond. Next, carry your education campaign into the school – to your kid's teacher, school nurse, and gym teacher, at least.
Prevention: Keep Triggers at a Distance
Taking steps to prevent anaphylaxis from occurring is the next strategy. The way to do that is to avoid all contact with possible triggers. Things like food allergies, though, can be tricky. Sometimes, trace amounts of nuts used in the preparation of foods behind the scenes can be enough to set off anaphylaxis.
