Spotting anaphylaxis: know the symptoms

Safety and wellbeing are paramount in any work or learning environment, especially when children are involved. When it comes to schools, along with the various health and safety concerns that teachers and other staff must be aware of, anaphylaxis stands out as a particularly serious and even life-threatening condition.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Knowing how to recognise its symptoms, as well as how to treat a student by administering an adrenaline auto-injector, can make all the difference in helping a child experiencing one of these reactions.

So, what are the signs of anaphylaxis?

In line with official National Health Service (NHS) guidance, in this guide we outline what teachers and other members of staff need to look out for when it comes to spotting anaphylaxis in children. We also explore what other medical conditions can mimic anaphylaxis, enabling you to act accordingly should a medical event of this nature occur.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically develop rapidly, often within minutes of exposure to an allergen. This development can happen even more quickly when children are involved. With this in mind, as a teacher or another individual responsible for the health and wellbeing of children, it’s essential you’re familiar with the signs of anaphylaxis. Only by knowing what to look out for will you be able to respond promptly and get the child the help and treatment they need.

Based on NHS guidance, here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:

Lightheaded/dizziness

A sudden drop in blood pressure is common for children experiencing anaphylaxis. This can lead to feelings of light headedness or, in extreme cases, even cause individuals to faint. Elevated heart rates, and sometimes even palpitations, can also accompany these symptoms. These types of symptoms tend to appear before any other when anaphylaxis strikes.

Difficulty breathing

The most common and serious symptom of anaphylaxis involves the constriction of the individual’s airways. Naturally, this can result in severe breathing difficulties. In children this is likely to present as audible wheezing, a visible shortness of breath, and/or a tightness across the chest.

Swelling and hives

Perhaps the most visible sign of anaphylaxis is swelling of the face, tongue, and/or throat. This swelling can be severe and can even contribute to a major obstruction of the airways.

Hives and skin rashes

Swelling is also often accompanied by hives, rashes and itching. Typically joined by a feeling of warmth and a reddening of the skin, this inflammation can appear very rapidly and affect any part of the body.

Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Gastrointestinal symptoms are also common with anaphylaxis. This can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and/or abdominal pain.

Feelings of confusion

Although not as common as other symptoms listed here, individuals facing anaphylaxis can also experience a sense of confusion or anxiety. Caused by the sudden nature of the onset of symptoms, this can be more common in children.

If a student is experiencing symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis - no matter how mild - calling for medical assistance immediately and using an auto-injector as promptly as possible is strongly advised.

What can mimic anaphylaxis?

While remaining vigilant for the signs of anaphylaxis is essential, it’s also important to note that other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms. By understanding these potential ‘mimic conditions’, you can more accurately assess the situation and provide the most appropriate response should a child in your care start displaying any of the symptoms listed above.

Conditions that can mimic anaphylaxis include:

Choking

Choking on food or a foreign object, such as a pen lid, can cause sudden difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Initially, these symptoms can be mistaken for anaphylaxis. However, after considering factors such as the presence of allergen exposure, as well as the lack of other concurrent symptoms like rashes and swelling, you should be able to quickly make a correct diagnosis. Once choking has been identified as the cause of the issue, prompt intervention, through the use of the Heimlich manoeuvre for example, is key.

Panic attacks

Also known as anxiety attacks, panic attacks can present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and feelings of impending doom. This can also manifest during anaphylaxis.

Asthma attack

Asthma exacerbation can have very similar symptoms to anaphylaxis, including wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. However, asthma attacks typically occur more gradually when compared to the rapid progression of anaphylaxis. This should be treated with one puff of a reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds until symptoms subside.

Food intolerances

We know that serious allergies to food can cause anaphylaxis. However, it’s important to note that milder allergies or intolerances can also mimic the less severe symptoms of anaphylaxis. Specifically, mild food intolerances can cause hives, rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms. While it’s always better to have a child checked out by a medical professional if these symptoms occur, typically an antihistamine will be enough to successfully treat these symptoms.

Here at Medical Tracker, we understand the severity of allergies and the devastating potential of anaphylaxis in school children. That’s why our bespoke medical recording and tracking software are designed to significantly reduce the chance of these incidents occurring in the first place by enabling efficient management of students' allergies, including tracking their history of anaphylactic reactions and ensuring timely access to critical medical information.

By embracing this technology, schools can better safeguard the wellbeing of students with allergies and be better prepared when an incident does occur. To find out more, get in touch today.