Allergies

Janisse Guzman

Definition/Description

• According to: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

• “An abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances, such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms.”

• Marotz (2009), states that an error in the body’s immune system causes it to overreact to a harmless substance, thus causing an allergic reaction.

Facts and Statistics from Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

• According to AAFA, about 20 percent of Americans have allergies and/or allergic asthma

– About 80% of children with asthma have allergies– 8% of children under six have food allergies– Children are more likely than adults to have allergies

– Retrieved from:

http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=253

Allergen Subcategories• Allergens are the substances that cause

allergic reactions and are categorized according to where their symptoms occur– Ingestants– Inhalants– Contactants– Injectables

Retrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

Ingestants

• Upset digestion• Cause respiratory issues– Examples include:

– Milk– Peanuts– Citrus

– Eggs

– Chocolate– Oral Medication

Retrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

Inhalants

• Affect respiration– Can cause: runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and

itchy, watery eyes– Examples include:

– Pollen– Dust– Animal dander

– Perfumes– Cleaning products

Retrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

Contactants

• Cause irritation of the skin– Rashes, hives, and eczema– Examples include:

– Soaps– Cosmetics– Fibers

– Poison ivy

– Latex– Medications applied

to the skin

Retrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

Injectables

• “Trigger respiratory, digestive, and/or skin disturbances”(Marotz, 2009, p. 100).– Examples include:

– Insect bites–Bees– Spiders–Hornets

–Medicine that is injected

Retrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

Anaphylxis

• “A severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, itching, unconsciousness, and possible death” (Marotz, 2009, p. 103)

• Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

• Swelling of lips, tongue, throat or eyelids

• Itching and hives

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Anxiety and restlessness• Blue discoloration around

the mouth and nailbedsRetrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

Anaphylaxis (cont)• This should be treated as an

• If anaphylaxis occurs AN ABULANCE SHOULD BE CALLED IMMEDIATELY.

Managing Allergies

• There are no known cures for allergies.– However they can be managed.

• A physician can help parents formulate a treatment plan after a positive allergy test.

• This may include strategies such as medication or removing allergens from the child’s environment as much as possible.

• “Most allergies are easily managed with the right treatment plan.” (http://www.aafa.org)

Retrieved from: http://www.aafa.org

Affects on Children’s Daily Life• Children may be overprotected to avoid

reactions• Children may be self conscious about their

appearances due to sneezing, runny noses, rashes, and/or red and swollen eyes– Poor self esteem– Maladjustment– Withdrawn behaviors

• It is also important not to let children use allergies for special attention or privileges

Suggestions for Teachers

• Parents are usually the best resource as they know their child best and what has and hasn’t worked.– Even the child may be able to contribute to your plan of action.

• Keep families informed– For example: if there is a peanut allergy ask parents to try and

avoid bringing food with peanuts to a party or in severe cases in their child’s lunch

• Do not allow a child to use his allergies to gain special attention

• Clinics and hospitals offer classes to help children and their families adjust which can benefit teachers.

• Professional websites are also great resources.

Common Allergies

• Eggs• Milk (milk products)• Fish and Shellfish• Peanuts

• Tree nuts• Wheat and wheat

products• soybeans

Retrieved from: (Marotz, 2009)

AAFA: A Good Resource

• This organizations website: http://www.aafa.org is a great resource to start with.

• It has various facts pertaining to Allergies and Asthma such as:

• Useful facts• Different tests

• Where to find doctors• Statistics

References

• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/allergy• http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=1

9&cont=253• Marotz, L.R. (2009). Health, safety, and

nutrition for the young child, 7th ed. Wadsworth Pub Co.