Mast cell activation syndrome

OldDude · Nov 17, 2017

My first thought was it's an Iphone problem...but otherwise I haven't heard of that. After a quick read, looks like you are correct; maybe something similar to a food allergy or asthma action plan. Keep us in the loop.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2017

I think since triggers vary person to person, the plan may vary as well. If this for a specific student, have their triggers been identified? If one is exercise, for example, perhaps a plan for gym or other physical activity is one place to start and how symptoms who be managed. So similar to an allergy action plan like OldDude mentioned.

Sounds like a student like this may need a 504 plan to go with an IHP.

GdBSN, RN · Nov 18, 2017

Do you know what the triggers are, or to what degree they experience their symptoms. Like you said it varies from person to person, and daily. If you were trying to develop accommodations for this: dietary (if triggers are identified), frequent RR breaks if necessary, ability to come to the nurse when requested. If the symptoms go as far as to affect their classroom performance: extended time on tests or assignments when experiencing symptoms. Did the student provide a medical dx from the doctor? You might be able to contact them to find out what specific accommodations could help this student. Good luck, this could be a hard condition to work with.

rbytsdy · Nov 22, 2017

I was coming here today to search for this. I'm subbing in a district where a student has this diagnosis. It is horribly debilitating. In spite of seeing all kinds of specialists, they don't have any solid answers on what is triggering her.

The IHP should certainly include any known or potential triggers. Ideally, anyone who works with the student should be an EpiPen delegate although I found this type of anaphylactic event is hard to distinguish from other common illnesses. For instance, in my student's case, she starts off with a cough and progresses into wheezing. Without other symptoms, it looks like asthma. But albuterol doesn't touch her symptoms (she does have an asthma diagnosis).

Some other precautions in place: she has a buddy that accompanies here everywhere. She uses the bathroom in the nurses office. She carries an epipen in her purse. The bus driver is an epipen delegate.

Of course a plan for how to handle a crisis (Benadryl, epipen, etc).

I'm curious to hear anyone else's experience!

Kittery · Nov 27, 2017

Thanks, all! The student will start school in a few weeks, I'm going to work with mom to develop specific accommodations r/t to his triggers. I think I'll bring up a 504 as well like Jen said. Welcome back from Thanksgiving break!