1. Allergies
Child Health Issue

2. Definition:
• “An allergy is an overreaction of the immune
system to a substance that's harmless to most
people” (Nemours 2012).
• The immune system treats the substance as an
invader and overreacts causing symptoms that
may only be irritating or they can end up being
very harmful/life threatening.

3. Overview
• “Allergies are the most common • More than 50% of children with
cause of chronic health problems symptoms are undiagnosed
among young children and may (Marotz, 2009, p.100).
affect as many as one in every five
children” (Marotz, 2009, p.100) • The immune system produces
(AAFA, 2006). antibodies called immunoglobulin
E (IgE).
• Allergies are responsible for losing
an estimated 2 million school days • Those antibodies cause allergy cells
per year (Nemours, 2012). in the body to release histamine,
into the bloodstream to protect the
• The substance that causes the body against the invader.
allergic reaction is called an
allergen (dust, pollen, food, • The release of histamine is what
medicine). causes the allergic person’s
symptoms. (Nemours, 2012)

4. How You Get Allergies
• Allergies are often hereditary.
• A person does not inherit a certain allergy just
because Mom, Dad, or someone in the family
has the allergy. They just inherit the likeliness to
have allergies in general.
• Children can sometimes have allergies even if no
one in their family does.
(Nemours, 2012)

5. Common Allergies
Food Airborne
• Cow’s milk • Dust mites
• Eggs • Pollen
• Seafood • Molds
• Shellfish • Pet (dander, hair, urine and
• Peanuts saliva)
• Tree nuts • Cockroaches
• Soy
• Wheat
(Nemours, 2012)

6. Signs and Symptoms
Common Body Sites • Skin contact (contactants) cause
skin irritation, rashes, hives,
eczema.
• Injections (injectables) cause
respiratory, digestive, and skin
issues.
• Ingestion (ingestants) cause
digestive upset and respiratory
problems.
• Inhalation (inhalants) affect the
respiratory system leading to
runny nose, cough, wheezing,
and itchy/watery eyes.
(Marotz, 2009, p. 100)

7. Signs and Symptoms Cont…
Mild Severe
• Itchiness • Tongue or mouth swelling
• Skin redness
• Difficulty swallowing or
• Slight swelling speaking
• Stuffy, runny nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Sneezing
• Abdominal pain, nausea,
• Itchy, watery eyes vomiting, or diarrhea
• Hives
• Dizziness or fainting
(Nemours, 2012)

8. Anaphylaxis
• A severe allergic reaction to substances like bee stings,
medication, and certain foods.
• Happens within seconds of exposure to allergen or can
take up to 2 hours if the reaction is from a certain food.
• Can cause shock and swelling of the air passages and is
life-threatening.
• Requires urgent medical attention!
• Call 911 for an ambulance!
(Marotz, 2009, p.103)

9. Cross-reactions
• A cross-reaction is what happens when a child is allergic
to a specific substance but, has a reaction from a
different substance because of similar make-up.
• “For example, kids who are allergic to birch pollen might
have reactions when they eat an apple because that apple
is made up of a protein similar to one in the pollen.
Another example is that kids who are allergic to latex (as
in gloves or certain types of hospital equipment) are
more likely to be allergic to kiwifruit, water chestnuts, or
bananas” (Nemours, 2012).

10. Condition Management
• There is no cure for allergies but, they can be treated and kept
under control.
• If recognized early symptoms and complications are less
severe and easier to control.
• Know and limit child’s exposure to allergens.
• Smoking increases problems for children with respiratory
allergies.
• Monitor child after administering medicine since some
medication can alter behavior (grogginess, excessive thirst,
agitation, etc.)
(Marotz, 2009, p.103)

11. Teaching Modifications
• Know each child’s allergy history.
• Have a plan of action if an allergic reaction
occurs.
• Give/get training on how to administer medicine
(EpiPens, bronchodilators, nasal sprays, etc.)
• Be a peanut free school!!

12. Addressing The Issue In Class
• Make a list of each child’s allergy and post it
inside the classroom in a visible spot.
• Discuss the issue with students to help them
understand what allergies are. Stress the
importance of not sharing food with classmates.
• Inform parents of food allergies in the classroom
so they can bring appropriate treats for
birthdays and holiday celebrations.

13. Bibliography
• Marotz, L.R., Cross, M.Z., & Rush, J.M. (7th
Edition) Health, Safety & Nutrition for the
Young Child. Albany, NY: Delmar.
• Kids Health from Nemours. (2012). All About
Allergies. Retrieved January 23, 2012 from,
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/allergies/
allergy.html#