Around 4.1 million Australians[i] live with at least one allergy, and the numbers are on the rise. Would you know what to do if a child in your care, or your child, had an allergic or anaphylactic reaction? This will help…
Do you know a child who has allergies or has suffered an anaphylactic reaction? If not, chance are you will soon, since around 4.1 million Australians live with at least one allergyi. In this special series, The Carousel has teamed up with the ‘Raise Your Hands for Anaphylaxis’ campaign to raise awareness and support for children suffering allergies and anaphylaxis, with the aim of educating people and encouraging schools to educate students. Read these three tips and it could help save a child’s life…
Tip 1. Understand the Seriousness of Allergy and Anaphylaxis
It’s hard to fathom that a single peanut could be life threatening for a child, but that is the reality for youngsters who suffer from anaphylaxis, the most severe and life threatening form of allergic reaction. Both allergies and anaphylaxis are on the rise, with a study by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute finding that one in 10 children (who participated in the study) had an allergic reaction to food[i]. But our community knowledge is slipping far behind.
Dr Andrew Rochford, ambassador for the “Raise Your Hand for Anaphylaxis Awareness” campaign, says, “people can develop allergies to any substance. Some of the most common allergies relate to foods (such as eggs, milk, peanuts, and seafood), dust mites, medication and insect stings. Reactions to these types of allergens can range from a runny nose or sore throat to very serious allergic reactions that can be life threatening.”
“Anaphylaxis should be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment,” cautions Dr Rochford. “Some signs that someone is having an anaphylactic reaction include swelling of the tongue, trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness and children often will become floppy and pale.”
Tip 2. Your Response Can Save a Life
It’s important you act fast if you suspect a child is having a severe allergic reaction. Here’s how…
For a severe allergic reaction: “If you suspect that your child is having a severe allergic reaction, make note of the possible trigger and get them to the doctor as soon as possible, or hospital emergency room if symptoms indicate an anaphylactic reaction,” advises Dr Rochford. “Documenting your child’s daily activity can also help doctors pin-point likely allergens and triggers. Make note of what your child ate, where they played or if they came in contact with new substances the day of the allergic reaction.”
For Anaphylactic Reaction…
1. Lay the person flat.
2. Administer adrenaline auto-injector (if they have one) into outer mid-thigh and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Phone 000 in Australia or 111 in NZ and ask for an ambulance.
4. Commence CPR if necessary.
For action plans for allergy and anaphylaxis, visit the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology website.
Tip 3. Help Make a Difference
If you suspect your child has an allergy, speak to your doctor or specialist, who will conduct tests to get a diagnosis and identify the triggers. Keep records of foods and possible triggers such as dust mites, to identify causes, and consider your family medical history, as some allergies are hereditary.
Even if your child is allergy-free,be vigilant with his or her school lunches, when hosting dinners and birthday parties or other children are in your care (always ask parents if their child suffers allergies so you can avoid exposure to these foods and substances and be prepared if you notice any signs or symptoms). For educational resources, visit www.anaphylaxis101.com.au.
References
[i] http://www.allergy.org.au
[ii] Osborne NJ, Koplin JJ, Martin PE, Gurrin LC, Lowe AJ, Matheson MC, Ponsonby AL, Wake M, Tang ML, Dharmage SC, Allen KJ. Prevalence of challenge-proven IgE-mediated food allergy using population-based sampling and predetermined challenge criteria in infants. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2011; 127: 668-76
How do you minimise the risk of allergic and anaphylactic reaction for your child and other’s, whether it’s packing allergy-free foods for lunch, ordering special catering at birthdays to ensure children are safe from triggers, or having your child rub foods on the inside of their lip (to test for tingling associated with allergic reaction) prior to eating?
This is a sponsored post by Alphafarm. All opinions expressed by the author are authentic and written in their own words.
