1. Allergies By: Cheryl Saint Paul EEC4731 Milestone 1

2. What Is an Allergy? An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that's harmless to most people. The body's immune system treats the substance (called an allergen) as an invader and reacts inappropriately. The body produces antibodies called immunoglobulin to attack the “invader”. These antibodies cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes the allergic symptoms.

3. Types of Allergic Reactions Ingestants - causes digestive upsets and respiratory problems. (Includes food allergies and oral medications) Inhalants - affect the respiratory system causing a runny nose, cough, wheezing, and itchy watery eyes. (ex: dust, pollen) Contactants - cause skin irritations, rashes, hives, and eczema. (ex: soaps, cosmetics) Injectables - trigger respiratory, digestive, and/or skin disturbances. (Insect bites and injected medications)

4. Allergy Statistics 50 million American, including kids have some type of allergy. Allergies account for a loss of an estimated 2 million schooldays per year.

5. Food Allergies Food Allergies Educators should be especially informed about food allergies because many children have them. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, 2 million or 8% of kids in the United States are affected by food allergies. 8 foods that account for most allergic reactions in kids: eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

6. Food Allergy Symptoms The severity of symptoms range from mildly annoying to life threatening. – Hives, skin rashes – Flushed or pale face – Cramps, vomiting, and/or diarrhea – Runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, and/or sneezing – Itching or swelling around the lips, tongue, or mouth – Anxiousness, restlessness – Shock – Difficulty breathing

7. Anaphylaxis A life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can be triggered by exposure to one or more allergens. Symptoms include: severe headache, nausea and vomiting, sneezing and coughing, hives, swelling of lips, tongue and throat, itching all over the body, and anxiety. The most dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and shock-all of which can be fatal. Shots of epinephrine can help control symptoms temporarily, but medical attention is needed.

8. Management There is no real cure for allergies. The only real way to cope with them is to reduce or eliminate exposure to allergens. Allergy shots are not helpful for food allergies. Someone with food allergies must avoid that food. Food allergies usually are not lifelong. Children often grow out of them.

9. Food Allergies in the Classroom Teachers must consider food allergies when planning lessons, celebrating holidays or special occasions, or taking field trips. Possible teacher modifications: – Forbid the sharing of food. Tell students that while sharing is good, some food may be harmful to other children. – Don’t allow homemade treats for parties or events. Store-bought food has allergy warnings on the package. – Send home forms requesting information on their child’s food allergy including severity. – Post information about student’s allergies in the room. – Talk to parents about severe food allergies. Obtain written permission to administer epinephrine in case of emergency. – Seek training in administering epinephrine shots. – Promote awareness of food allergies in classroom. Explain to students about the severity of food allergies.

10. Resources All About Allergies. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2010, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/allergies/allergy.html American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology http://www.aaaai.org/patients/just4kids/classroom_corner/steps.stm Marotz, L. R. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child (7th ed., pp. 100- 104). Delmar.