The anaphylaxis problem in children: community management in a UK NationalHealth Service District

From an analysis of a database of children who have been prescribed injecta ble adrenaline we describe our experience of the management of children wit h severe anaphylactic reactions to food products for the period from March 1994 to August 1999. Notifications to our department increased from 7 in th e 1981-83 birth cohort to 48 in the 1990-92 birth cohort. One hundred and f orty-four children living in our health disitrict have been prescribed inje ctable adrenaline for emergency use. A standard protocol agreed with the Local Education Authority to support th ese pupils in school and to work to provide a safe environment has been in place since April 1995. Almost half the schools in the area covered by our health district have at least one affected child. Community child health st aff have played a pivotal role in providing liaison between health and educ ation professionals.