How can anaphylaxis be treated or prevented?
Treatment
Adrenaline given as an injection using an autoinjector (such as an EpiPen® or Anapen®) into the outer mid-thigh muscle is the most effective first aid treatment for anaphylaxis. Children at risk of recurrent anaphylaxis are advised by their medical practitioners to carry adrenaline in an auto-injector for use in an emergency. Children between 10 - 20kg are prescribed a Junior autoinjector, which has a smaller dosage of adrenaline. Adrenaline autoinjectors are designed so that anyone can use them in an emergency.
Parents should provide schools and child care services with the child’s adrenaline autoinjector and ASCIA Action Plan for their child, which should be stored unlocked and easily accessible to staff. If a child is treated with an adrenaline autoinjector, an ambulance must be called immediately and the child taken to a hospital.
Prevention
The key to the prevention of anaphylaxis is:
- Knowledge of children who are at risk,
- Awareness of known allergens, and
- Prevention of exposure to known allergens
Some children wear a medical warning bracelet to indicate allergies.
More information:
» What are allergies? What is anaphylaxis?
» What are the main causes?
» Signs and symptoms
» Why is it important to know about anaphylaxis?
» Anaphylaxis at school or child care service
Print:
» Anaphylaxis factsheet (PDF 137KB)