This is not a faddish, mild or imagined intolerance to certain foods.
We are talking about a severe, highly dangerous medical emergency known as anaphylaxis. Act fast, with the quick guide.
1. Learn to say it. Long medical words bother people. Don't let them. You may struggle at the sight of anaphylaxis. But you can probably say Anna-Phil-Axis, run together as one word. That is good enough for anybody. So is Anna-Phil-Actic shock.
2. Anaphylactic shock is an acute allergic reaction to something. It can be fatal. There is a long list of common triggers. Peanuts are the most talked about. Nuts, milk, egg, shellfish, latex and bee or wasp stings are also common.
3. Get to know the symptoms. There may be itching or swelling in the mouth, hives or nettle rash anywhere on the body, generalised flushing of the skin, or nausea and vomiting. More serious reactions include a drop in blood pressure causing someone to go weak and floppy, asthma or a closing of the throat.
Symptoms occur after seconds or minutes, and progress rapidly. The cause is the body's production of a massive release of chemicals including histamine.
The fix is usually a shot of adrenaline - see point five.
4. Take precautions and be alert. Get to know of anyone at risk of anaphylaxis, in writing from consent forms. Become familiar with the individual's actual experiences.
Find out what their prescribed medication is. Follow their guidelines about safe and unsafe foods. Encourage the wearing of a MedicAlert bracelet.
Take care when preparing food. Point out the folly of drinking from cans outside. Hint: wasps crawl into cans and being stung in the mouth is not fun.
5. If someone goes into anaphylactic shock, don't panic. Do act fast.
People at risk of anaphylaxis are usually prescribed an adrenaline injection.
These come in pre-loaded "pens" for easy injection into the muscle. Companies that supply them also sell trainer pens. Ask for training so you know how and when to react. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. You know how to call an ambulance, don't you?
6. Normality rules. Young people with anaphylaxis need to avoid their trigger substance. They do not need wrapping in cotton wool. They have every right to join in all the activities and events that anyone else is taking part in. So do not overreact.
7. Young people with anaphylaxis have to be thoughtful in some surprising ways. Would you remember to check what someone you are about to kiss has been eating? You should.
- More information, including a free leaflet for youth groups, is available from the Anaphylaxis Campaign. Call 01252 542 029, or visit www.anaphylaxis.org.uk.
