Allergy awareness for secondary schools - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Allergy awareness for secondary schools

2. WelcomeWhat is an allergy?Allergic reactionsSigns of a reactionMedicationFurther risksEmotional impact

3. What is an allergy?An allergy is when your body reacts to things that can be harmless to othersAllergies can be caused by certain foods, animals, medicines and even pollenVariety and severity of allergies differ from person to personThere are 14 major food allergens in the UK, and approximately 2 million people have allergies

4. Allergic reactionsAn allergic reaction happens when the person comes into contact with their allergenAntibody Immunoglobulin EAllergenHistamineAllergic reactions vary from mild to serious depending on the person and allergenA serious reaction is called Anaphylaxis

5. What is anaphylaxis?Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction affecting the whole body.  It is at the extreme end of the allergic spectrumThe reaction usually comes on quickly,  often within minutes of exposure to the allergen, but sometimes it can be hours later.  Causes often include foods, insect stings, or drugsThe immune system is so sensitive that tiny amounts of the allergen can cause a reactionThe term comes from the Greek words ana (against) and phylaxis (protection)

6. What to look forAnaphylaxis can be difficult to identifyAnaphylaxis is likely if all of the following 3 things happen: Think ABCAirway: persistent cough, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swollen tongueBreathing: difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze or persistent coughCirculation/Consciousness: persistent dizziness / pale or floppy, suddenly sleepy, collapse, unconscious

7. Skin reactionsThese are commonly associated with anaphylaxis:Urticaria is the intensely itchy skin reaction which often occurs in an allergic reactionAngioedema is an urticarial rash affecting a deeper layer of the tissues causing swellingFlushing of the skin, where the skin goes a pinky-red all overSmall urticarial rash Large urticarial rash Angioedema of the mouth

8. Other signsSkin changes on their own are not a sign of anaphylaxis, and in some cases don’t occur at allSome people may suddenly collapse or become unconsciousSome people also have strong feelings of impending doomOther signs can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

9. TreatmentInternationally, adrenaline is known as epinephrine Adrenaline is the main form of treatment and it starts to work within secondsAdrenaline is prescribed in the form of an adrenaline auto-injector that injects into the thigh muscleEpiPen, Emerade and Jext are three brands of adrenaline auto-injector prescribed in the UKAnaphylaxis can come on very quickly, so treatment must be given QUICKLYWhat does adrenaline do?It opens up your airwaysIt stops swellingIt raises your blood pressureEpiPenJextEmerade

10. How to use an adrenaline auto-injectorThe adrenaline auto-injector should always be given into the muscle of the upper, outer thigh Hold the auto-injector with the needle tip facing downInject and hold in placeRemove and store the adrenaline auto-injector safely. Gently rub the injection site for a few secondsCall 999, even if symptoms are improving, and say:‘ANAPHYLAXIS (Anna-fill-axis)’Administration of the adrenaline auto-injector device differs depending on the brand, please see videos for further instruction (links on next slide)

11. How to use an adrenaline auto-injectorClick on the links below to watch how to use each of the three different auto-injectors…Jext: https://teens.jext.co.uk/about-jext/how-to-use/ Emerade: https://www.emerade.com/instruction-video EpiPen: http://www.epipen.co.uk/demonstrationvideo/

12. Patient positioningThe adrenaline device should be used without delay if the reaction could be anaphylaxisThe patient should lie flat with their legs raisedIt may help to make breathing easier if they sit up a little, but if there is any sign of low blood pressure (i.e. feeling faint) they must lie flatIf the patient is unconscious they should be placed in the recovery position

13. Further risksKissing - allergens can remain in the saliva for several hours – anywhere between 2 and 24 hours and even brushing teeth before kissing may not get rid of them effectively. If you have an allergy, always check with the other person if they have eaten food you may be allergic to.Alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) can increase the severity of an allergic reaction.Recreational drugs and alcohol may affect judgement so early signs of a reaction are not spotted and appropriate action is not taken in time.Many people with serious allergies have asthma. Smoking is likely to make asthma worse and poorly controlled asthma can make serious allergies much more dangerous

14. Emotional impact – My life with allergies

15. Let’s talk about allergiesIf you have an allergyIt is up to you to make your allergy known to your friends and peers – it is not embarrassing and helps to keep you safeLet your friends and peers know where your medication is and teach them how to use itDon’t be tempted to share food or drinksPractice good hygiene to prevent cross contamination of allergensCarry your adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times

16. Let’s talk about allergiesIf your friend has an allergyRecognise the symptoms of an allergic reactionKnow how to get helpLearn how to use your friend’s adrenaline auto-injectorBe understanding – be supportive, listen and don’t be scared to ask questionsPractice good hygiene to prevent cross contamination of allergens

17. Thank you for listening!For further information please visit our websitewww.anaphylaxis.org.uk