Glossary

Allergy Management Policy: a list of rules and instructions that all staff and visitors follow to keep children and young people safe

Anaphylaxis: a life-threatening allergic reaction due to the rapid onset of airway/breathing and/or circulatory problems. The early signs & symptoms of anaphylaxis may be mild such as flushing, itchy rash or swelling of the face and abdominal pain/vomiting but they are not always present.

Antibodies: The immune system makes antibodies against an allergen. The level of antibodies in the blood can be used as a marker of reactivity.

Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of histamine, a substance that is released in the body during an allergic reaction. The symptoms it relieves are itching, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.

The Emergency Kit: Each pupil with allergies should have their medication stored as part of an emergency kit. This kit should include:

• antihistamine for mild to moderate reactions
• two adrenaline autoinjectors for anaphylaxis
• the Allergy Action Plan
• other prescribed medication e.g. blue asthma inhaler (if the pupil has been prescribed this)

Emergency Response Protocol: A set of instructions for all staff to follow in the event of a severe allergic reaction – anaphylaxis.

Personalised Allergy Action Plan: A document issued by a healthcare professional to patients upon diagnosis of an allergy. It will state the patients details, the allergen(s) to avoid and how to manage a mild-moderate, or severe allergic reaction.