The anaphylaxis guide for
If you have allergies...
Have you ever had an allergy to something you have eaten?
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Have you ever had an allergic reaction to anything else?
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Some people have such bad allergies that their bodies react quickly and in multiple different ways.
This can put their lives in danger. Professionals like your doctor call this severe allergic reaction 'ana-phy-la-xis'.
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Do you know what an allergic reaction might look and feel like?
Try and remember these symptoms:
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Itchy rashes
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Swelling lips
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Dizziness
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Racing heart
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Tightening of the throat
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Difficulty in breathing
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A feeling like something really scary and horrible is happening inside your body
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If you experience any of these signs, tell an adult as soon as possible.
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Do you know what can cause such horrible allergic reactions?
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Common food allergens are:
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Peanuts
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Tree nuts
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Fish and shellfish
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Fruit
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Dairy products such as milk and eggs
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Anaphylaxis can also be triggered by:
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Wasp or bee stings
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Medicines such as antibiotics
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Sometimes the cause may be unknown.
If your friend has allergies...
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to something you have eaten?
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to anything else?
​
A person can have a very bad allergic reaction that can put their life in danger. When this happens, Doctor's call this 'ana-phy-lax-is'.
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Knowing the symptoms of an allergic reaction may one day help your friend.
If one of your friends experiences any of these symptoms, it might be something called 'anaphylaxis' and you must call an adult for help as soon as you can:
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Itchy rashes
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Swelling lips
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Dizziness
-
Racing heart
-
Tightening of the throat
-
Difficulty in breathing
-
A feeling like something really scary and horrible is happening inside your body
If someone experiences these really bad allergic reactions, they may have a medicine called an auto-injector.
This gives an injection of a special medicine called adrenaline and can help save their life.
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If someone at school starts showing these scary symptoms, tell a teacher straight away. A member of staff in your school will give the injection and call 999.
What should you do if you are outside of school?
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If you are with your friend outside of school and you notice them showing signs of anaphylaxis, then tell the nearest adult to call an ambulance on 999 and say 'ana-phy-lax-is'.
The person answering the phone will be able to send an ambulance, and also be able to give instructions on what to do..