Allergies in the spotlight this week

It is entirely possible to die as the result of a severe allergic reaction, warned the pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics.

Yet, many parents remain unaware of the fact that their children are at risk of anaphylaxis, a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction.

“The condition is real and should be given the prominence it deserves. It can potentially be fatal if the correct care is not given immediately,” warned Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics.

“It is essential that when your child or a learner in a class has a serious and life-threatening condition like this, to have a plan in place way ahead of time.”

“In most cases, if an anaphylactic attack occurs and is treated quickly with the appropriate medication such as an adrenaline auto-injector, the outcomes are good. But there are far too many cases that end up in tragedy.”

Pharma Dynamics has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness among parents and teachers in the wake of World Allergy Week, which is observed from 7 till 13 April.

The campaign stems from a survey done by the company involving almost 1 000 learners and teachers from private, government and Model C schools across the country, which found that neither learners nor teachers knew what to do in case of a severe allergic attack.

Van Aswegen said several of the country’s top allergists and healthcare practitioners will be placed at the heart of local community schools across South Africa, to help spread awareness to as many parents and teachers as possible.

Further, she said more and more cases are being reported worldwide of children dying at school following a major allergic attack.

“According to international studies the incidence of anaphylaxis is on the increase. Figures are scant for SA, but some local clinics that have started to record cases of anaphylaxis, they deal with an average of 20 cases per month.”

Additional resources are available for free download and printing online by means of its popular allergy education website, which both parents and teachers can use as teaching aids in the home or classroom setting.

Details: www.allergyexpert.co.za