Allergies and Anaphylaxis

• Steps to give EpiPen injectors

  1. Form fist around epipen and pull off blue safety realse

  2. Hold leg still and place orange end against outer mid-thigh (with or without clothing)

  3. Push down hard until a click is heard or felt and hold in place for 3 seconds then remove epipen
• Mild to Moderate allergic reactions

  • Swelling of the lips, eyes and face
  • Hives
  • Tingling mouth
  • Abnormal pain and vomiting
• Actions for mild to moderate allergic reactions

  1. Stay with the person whilst calling 000 and help

  2. Locate the adrenaline injector

  3. Give antihistamine

  4. Phone emergency contact and family
• Insect allergy


  • Flick out the sting if visible
• Tick allergy

  • Seek medical help
  • Freeze tick and let it drop off
• Signs of anaphylaxis (serve allergic reactions)

  • Difficult or nosing breathing
  • Swelling of tongue
  • Swelling or tightness in the throat
  • Wheezing or persistent cough
  • Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
  • Persistent dizziness or collapse
  • Pale and floppy (young children)
• Actions for anaphylaxis (serve allergic reactions)

  1. Lay person flat and do not allow them to stand nor walk (if unconscious or pregnant place in the recovery position on left side if pregnant, if breathing is difficult, allow them to sit with legs outstretched, hold children flat not upright)

  2. Phone the ambulance (000)

  3. Give the adrenaline injector

  4. Phone emergency contact /family

  5. Further adrenaline may be given if no response after 5 minutes

  6. Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation

  7. Commence CPR at any time if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
• If in doubt give an adrenaline injector and always give the adrenaline injector first and then asthma reliever puffer if someone is known stoma and allergy to food, insects or medication
• Allergy

  An overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, called an allergen
• Common allergens

  • Foods (e.g. peanuts, eggs, milk)
  • Insect stings
  • Medications
  • Latex
  • Environmental triggers like pollen or pet dander
• Allergy symptoms

  • Mild (rash, runny nose)
  • Severe and potentially life-threatening (anaphylaxis)
• Anaphylaxis

  A severe, whole-body allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death
• Anaphylaxis

  • Typically involves more than one body system (skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular)
  • Can cause breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and shock
• Common triggers for anaphylaxis

  • Foods
  • Insect stings
  • Medications
• Coeliac disease

  An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues when exposed to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye
• Coeliac disease

  • Causes damage to the small intestine, leading to difficulties absorbing nutrients
  • Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue
• Treatment for coeliac disease

  Strict gluten-free diet
• Food intolerance

  A digestive system response to a food that does not involve the immune system
• Food intolerance

  • Occurs when the body cannot properly digest or break down a particular food
  • Symptoms are generally less severe than allergies and limited to digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea
• Examples of food intolerances

  • Lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose in milk)
  • Sensitivity to food additives like MSG
• Allergies and coeliac disease

  Involve the immune system
• Food intolerances

  Do not involve the immune system
• Anaphylaxis

  A severe, whole-body allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment
• Most common food allergens

  • Cow's milk (dairy)
  • Egg
  • Peanut
  • Tree nuts
  • Sesame
  • Soy
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat