Anaphylaxis – allergies
Certain food and non-food items can make some children sick. This is because some children have allergies.
Most of the time, you find out if you have an allergy when you are very young but sometimes you notice it when you try something for the first time.
If you have an allergy then your doctor, parent or another adult will talk to you about food that may not be ‘safe’ for you to eat.
If you do not have any allergies but feel funny after eating something then do talk to your teacher or an adult you trust about it, especially if you feel very unwell.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fill-ax-is) is a really nasty allergy which can make you feel very unwell very quickly.
Some children with anaphylaxis may only eat foods that are given to them by their parents or other trusted adults (such as a grandparent who is knowledgeable about their food allergies).
What gives you anaphylaxis?
You develop an allergy to food such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, fish, sesame seeds and kiwi fruit. You can also get it for other reasons too and non-food causes include wasp or bee stings.
How will you know if you have anaphylaxis?
You may notice any of these symptoms:
- Feeling weak
- Widespread flushing of the skin
- Nettle rash (otherwise known as hives)
- Swelling of the skin anywhere on the body
- Swelling of the lips
- Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
If you feel like this at any time talk to your teacher, parent or another adult that you trust
If you know you have anaphylaxis already then you will have medicine to help you if you feel unwell. You may have a medical card that explains your allergies too so do show this to others including your teachers so they know about your allergies and can tell other people too.