An anaphylactic reaction that is also known as anaphylaxis is one of the fatal conditions that affect many children in various parts of USA. Currently, it is one of the most severe allergic reaction as well as the scariest health emergencies that schools and parent face in the country. Anaphylactic reaction occurs when the immune system of a human body mistakenly reacts to a less lethal or harmful substance as if it was a serious threat, causing the release of histamine and other life-threatening chemicals. It is estimated that more than 1.6% of US children are suffering from anaphylaxis in a given year and the percentage may increase due to a surge in allergic reactions. For instance, food allergy among school-aged children has increased to more than 3.9% from 3.3% in 1997 (Dinakar, 2012). Therefore, a quick medical response is needed to reduce the fatal effects of anaphylaxis.
The most common triggers of anaphylactic reaction in children include ingested foods, insect stings, and medications. However, ingested food is leading at about 33% (Dinakar, 2012). Most of the food allergens among children are milk products, tree nuts, some vegetable and fruits, and eggs. In the USA, shellfish is the most common food allergen affecting children below five years of age. The least common triggers of anaphylactic reaction in children include latex, cats, and cleaning agents. Anaphylactic reaction has some symptoms. Nevertheless, the most common symptoms include skin rashes, body itching, swelling of the lips, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
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Early diagnosis and proper treatment are some of the measures that are recommended for children experiencing anaphylactic reaction. The first-line treatment of anaphylactic reaction is a timely administration of epinephrine that significantly helps in saving lives while are the same time reducing the progression of fatal chemical reactions (Dinakar, 2012). The administration of epinephrine is highly recommended in treating the condition immediately the child starts showing symptoms of the disease. Epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) are used in the treatment of the condition, especially in its early stages. Children at high risks of suffering from anaphylactic reaction are always required to carry with them EAIs, even though this is not always the case.
Therefore, many states have come up with statutes or laws that make it mandatory for schools to keep a backup supply of epinephrine. Initially, in Illinois, schools were not allowed to keep epinephrine to assist students who have forgotten their EAIs at home or those who do not have. At the same time, school healthcare personnel were not authorized were not authorized to administer epinephrine in emergency situations. However, currently, the state through the Emergency Epinephrine Act allows schools emergency supply of EAIs and epinephrine to assists students who are suffering from anaphylactic reaction (Szychlinski et al ., 2015). Schools can now administer epinephrine to students experiencing anaphylactic reaction for the first time, those who have forgotten their EAIs, and students who do not have EAIs, yet they have known allergy. However, epinephrine can only be administered by licensed and authorized physicians working inside or outside schools.
In conclusion, anaphylactic reaction is increasingly becoming common, especially due to a surge in the number of children experiencing allergic reactions. Fortunately, the condition can easily be managed through timely administration of epinephrine by authorized persons. The enactment of the Emergency Epinephrine Act helped in ensuring every child who experiences anaphylactic reaction gets timely and proper treatment. Therefore, schools should ensure that they have enough supply of epinephrine to save lives of many students.
References
Dinakar, C. (2012). Anaphylaxis in children: current understanding and key issues in diagnosis and treatment. Current allergy and asthma reports , 12(6), 641-649.
Szychlinski, C., Schmeissing, K. A., Fuleihan, Z., Qamar, N., Syed, M., Pongracic, J. A., & Singh, A. M. (2015). Food allergy emergency preparedness in Illinois schools: rural disparity in guideline implementation. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice , 3(5), 805-807.
