Allergic Reactions or Anaphylaxis

Table of Contents

Children may experience allergic reaction symptoms or Anaphylaxis within minutes up to 2 hours post-exposure. Learners who have a life-threatening allergy will have an emergency action plan created either by the child’s provider or by the school nurse from information the parents have provided (example: delivery of prescribed life-saving medication or shared medical records to the school).

Signs and Symptoms

A learner with asthma/wheezing allergic reaction or Anaphylaxis may have signs and symptoms to include, but not limited to:

  • hives, 
  • itching, 
  • swelling, 
  • flushed face
  • vomiting, 
  • throat tightness that leads to difficulty breathing or swallowing, 
  • verbalizing a sense of doom, 
  • blueness around the mouth,
  • drooling,
  • difficulty swallowing
  • symptoms of shock (pale, clammy skin, red, watery eyes, loss of consciousness, or seizures)

Mild allergic reaction may include, but not limited to:

  • red, watery eyes
  • itchy, sneezing, runny nose
  • hives or a rash in one area

Actions

  1. Does the student have an Emergency Action Plan?
    1. Yes: Refer to the student’s action plan:
  2. Remain calm. Encourage the student to breathe slowly and deeply through the nose and out through the mouth.
  3. Practice Universal precautions.
  4. Administer interventions as outlined in the Emergency Action Plan.
  5. Remain with the student until help arrives.
  6. If symptoms do not improve, call 911.
  7. Wash your hands.
  8. Document the date and time, care provided, observations, the student response to intervention (if applicable), and your signature and credentials
  9. Debrief with the school nurse.
  10. No: Call 911
    1. Notify the school nurse, school leadership, and parents immediately.
    2. Practice universal precautions.
    3. Remain with the student until help arrives.
    4. Wash your hands.
    5. Document the date and time, care provided, observations, the student’s response to intervention (if applicable), and your signature and credentials (if applicable).
    6. Debrief with the school nurse.