©Anaphylaxis Campaign 2015

This fact sheet aims to answer some of the questions frequently asked by parents and schools. How common are severe food allergies among children? Every school is likely to have at least one pupil who is severely food-allergic, and many schools will have more. Peanut allergy is particularly common – with one in 70 children nationwide thought to be affected. (Grundy et.al, 2002). What are the symptoms of food allergy? For many children, the symptoms of food allergy are mild. In severe cases, symptoms may include generalised flushing of the skin, nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body, swelling of the throat and mouth, severe asthma, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. In very severe cases there may be collapse and unconsciousness, although this is rare. Treating symptoms The treatment for a severe allergic reaction is an injection of adrenaline (also called epinephrine), delivered into the muscle in the side of the thigh. The adrenaline injectors prescribed in the UK at present are Emerade®, EpiPen ® and Jext®. These injectors are easy to use and designed for self-administration or administration by any suitably trained individual. If an injector has been prescribed, it should be available at all times – with no exceptions. The emergency services (ambulance) should still be called after use as symptoms may return after a short period and more than one injection of adrenaline may be required to control the reaction. Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis – what injectors are available? Pre-loaded adrenaline injection devices – Emerade®, EpiPen ® or Jext ® – are available on prescription for those thought to be at risk of a severe reaction. Emerade ® is the most recent single use adrenaline auto-injector to become available. It has a needle guard to protect against needle stick injury. Visit www.emerade.co.uk EpiPen ® has a spring-loaded concealed needle. The built-in needle protection keeps the needle covered durin