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Anaphylaxis
What is Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is caused by a problem with the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against illness and infection.
In the case of anaphylaxis, your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance and releases a number of different chemicals, such as histamine, to deal with the mistaken threat.
Anaphylaxis Triggers
Insect stings
Most cases of anaphylaxis are caused by wasp and bee stings, which are one of the 4 KEY triggers. Although any insect bite or sting can cause anaphylaxis.
It's estimated that around 1 in 100 people will experience an allergic reaction after a wasp or bee sting, but only a small number of these people will go on to develop severe anaphylaxis.
Foods
More than half of all cases of food-related anaphylaxis are caused by a KEY trigger, peanuts.
There are 3 other key triggers to anaphylaxis, which include:
- Fish and shellfish
- Penicillin
- Bee Sting/Wasps
There are many other substances that will cause anaphylaxis, such as plasters, milk, kiwi, bananas, etc.
Medicines
Medicines known to trigger anaphylaxis in a small number of people include:
antibiotics – particularly penicillin-like antibiotics
general anaesthetic – muscle-relaxant medicines used during surgery
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – a type of painkiller that includes ibuprofen and aspirin
People sensitive to these types of medicines will usually develop anaphylaxis as soon as they begin a course of treatment, although they may have safely received them in the past.
The risk of anaphylaxis using these types of medicines is very small, so in most cases the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risk.
For example, the risk of developing anaphylaxis is around:
1 in 1,480 after taking an NSAID-type painkiller
1 in 5,000 after taking penicillin
1 in 10,000 after being given a general anaesthetic
Child/Baby Care Plan
The main objective is to implement the care plan for the child who has anaphylaxis. Prevention should be your first line of defence to prevent a reaction. Contents of the care plan:
- Know what causes the reaction.
- Prevent contact with the product.
- Know initial indicators, i.e. hives, itchy tongue.
- Know when to give the Auto Injector
- Know what happens after the Auto Injector has been given.
- Know when to give the 2nd Auto Injector.
- Know what to do if the Auto Injector has no effect.
- Know if the child has Asthma.
- Ensure at least 2 pens are available.
- Check to see if the child has Medi Alert/SOS tags, to let others know of the child's condition.
- Ensure Auto Injectors are in date.
The care plan should include the treatment process. Initially, this could be Piriton or tablet form.
Importantly, if the child has an Auto Injector, they know how to use this Auto Injector correctly.
2 x Epipens are required
EpiPen Key Information
• Some children/infants may require two EpiPens. A second dose may be needed if the first has no effect or symptoms return.
• A secondary reaction can occur up to 72 hours after the first.
• Pen colours:
• Green – Children/Infants
• Yellow – Teenagers/Adults
• Check the expiry date on the side of the pen.
• Children vary in age and size; ensure the care plan is reviewed regularly. If unsure, ask parents/guardians to confirm details.
• Hold time:
• Newer EpiPens: 3 seconds
• Older EpiPens: 10 seconds
• Always read the label on the device being used.
• This information should be included in the child’s care plan, and all staff should be informed.