Simple device can prevent allergy deaths

Recently, the death of a young girl because of a severe allergic reaction shocked and distressed Central Virginians. The cause of her death was frightening in its simplicity: exposure to an allergic trigger, in this case a peanut.

In the past few years, we have become more aware of the potentially fatal danger of allergic reactions ? and that the number of severe allergic episodes seems to be increasing. In the United States, 6 percent of school-aged children have food allergies and more than 1,500 people die each year in this country from an allergic reaction.

The severe reaction is called anaphylactic shock, and it occurs when the blood vessels constrict causing a heart attack. While public places and institutions make every effort to ensure that individuals are not exposed to allergic triggers, the reality is that this is simply an impossible task.

For some people, just touching the hand of someone who has touched a nut or just being in a room where nuts are present is sufficient to cause a serious reaction. We will never be able to prevent all exposures or keep all areas free from molecules that cause severe reactions in those who are allergic.

Fortunately, however, we have the ability to possibly reduce the number of deaths and lessen the allergic reaction. An injected dose of epinephrine provides relief by relaxing the airwaves, allowing the individual to breathe. Epinephrine is not dangerous, although it may cause mild symptoms such as rapid heart rate and nausea in an individual who is not suffering from an allergic reaction. The only individuals potentially at risk from an injection of epinephrine are those with serious heart conditions.

The epinephrine dose can be given by a device colloquially known as an EpiPen. Using a spring mechanism, the preloaded injector puts just the appropriate amount of medicine into the person. EpiPens come in two sizes, EpiPen Jr. for children and the regular size for adults.

Because of the structure of the device, it is much safer and easier to use than a typical hypodermic needle. In families where a child has a severe allergy, siblings as young as 6 years old have been taught to use the EpiPen to assist the victim.

At the present time, Virginia schools do allow EpiPens, but only if they are brought in by individual students who bring the equipment, a prescription from their doctor and a parental-consent form. That EpiPen can only be used by that particular student, even if another child unexpectedly has an allergic attack.

I have introduced a bill this session that would allow schools to have EpiPens among their supplies and would allow school nurses and other trained personnel to use an EpiPen on any student if that student has an unexpected allergic reaction. This has the potential to save numerous lives.

If a student's family has not been aware of the severity of his or her allergy, the parents may not have gotten the prescription and equipment from their doctor. Other students, unfortunately, may not be under the regular care of a doctor, and may not even realize their risk.

Some families simply cannot afford the visit to the doctor or the purchase of the EpiPen. Also, some children may have an unanticipated allergic reaction. An exposure to a new food could trigger a reaction or a reaction might be unusually severe.

These children are presently all at risk. An EpiPen, easily available and accessible for all students in the school nurse's office, could make all the difference.

Fears of lawsuits for "unauthorized" use of an EpiPen have proven to be unfounded. Instead, school officials have been sued for not using an EpiPen to save a life.

This is not a partisan issue, this is not a rural or urban issue, this issue doesn't grow government or invade citizens' personal lives. This bill is that rare opportunity where we, as legislators, can truly make a difference for people, perhaps even save a life.

All too often, as we sit in the Capitol, we make grandiose arguments and we wax eloquent about differing philosophies. We try to make every piece of legislation part of a partisan agenda, part of proving a point and, sometimes, part of a plan for re-election.

This legislation accomplishes none of those goals. It does not put any political party on the defensive or make any political party look good. It is not there to placate a loud, clamoring outcry from citizens or to help advance a personal or political agenda. This bill is almost frightening in its simplicity and common sense.

We have a unique occasion to come together, to not grandstand or pontificate, but to vote for a bill that very well could, in the near future, save a child's life.

Originally published in the Times Dispatch,, Sunday, January 22^nd, 2012