Parent reported allergy and anaphylaxis in 4173 South Australian children

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of parent reported allergy and anaphylaxis in a sample of children and to investigate the first aid management of anaphylaxis in the schools and preschools that these children attend. Methods: The study sample comprised 4173 South Australian children aged 3–17 years. Information was collected regarding parent‐reported allergy and anaphylaxis. All children with known anaphylaxis were contacted and an attempt was made to contact those with reports of allergy to ascertain if these children had anaphylaxis. A telephone questionnaire was used to verify reports of anaphylaxis and determine the cause, severity and school first aid management of anaphylaxis. Results: The rate of parent reported allergy and anaphylaxis was 7.3 and 0.59 per 100 children, respectively. Two‐thirds of children with anaphylaxis did not have emergency medication available at school, an emergency action plan, or a teacher on site able to administer adrenaline for first aid use. Conclusions: Children attending preschool or school may have had a past history of anaphylaxis. Arrangements for first aid management of these children while in this environment are often inadequate.