Allergies in School-Aged Children
Allergies are caused when the immune system is triggered by something it recognizes as harmful, even though it is not harmful to most people. The trigger can be pet dander, pollen, or certain foods. This triggered immune reaction varies from person to person, from mild to severe. Knowing how to recognize an allergic reaction can help prepare for a possible emergency.
Did you know…
A food intolerance (such as lactose intolerance) is not a food allergy. It does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Usually, it happens because the food cannot be digested or absorbed. Symptoms are likely to be nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Prevention
The best way to stop an allergic reaction is to avoid the trigger. For example, with a pollen allergy, stay inside with windows closed when the pollen count is high. For an insect sting allergy, keep garbage covered and away from doors, and clean up sugary spills right away. For food allergies, read labels and let restaurants know if you eat out.
Recognizing an allergic reaction
The symptoms of an allergy differ from person to person, but there are common signs and symptoms. Emergencies can be reduced if the signs of a reaction are well known.
Seasonal allergies (click to expand) »Seasonal allergy, or hay fever, is the most common type of allergy. The symptoms are like having a cold. Pollens from grass, weeds, flowers, and trees are the triggers. Symptoms include:
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Food allergies (click to expand) »Food allergies to wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, fish, soy, and egg are common. Most reactions will happen within 5-60 minutes Symptoms include:
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Drug allergies (click to expand) »Drug allergies to medications, over-the-counter, prescription, or herbal, can happen. Penicillin or sulfa drugs are examples of medicine that are more likely to cause a reaction. Symptoms include:
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Insect sting allergies (click to expand) »Insect sting allergies can happen at the sting site or all over the body. Symptoms include:
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Anaphylaxis (click to expand) »Anaphylaxis is the word used to describe a severe allergic reaction. It can happen very quickly and can cause death. Anaphylaxis can occur after a person:
Other triggers can also cause anaphylaxis, and the symptoms can involve more than one body part. The most common are:
Other anaphylaxis symptoms:
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Treating an allergic reaction
Respond to an allergic reaction as quickly as possible. Antihistamines can effectively reduce the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires the use of an epinephrine autoinjector.
For anaphylactic reactions
Don’t delay in giving epinephrine! That’s one of the most common mistakes people make during anaphylactic reactions. Epinephrine is safe, and it can save a life. Never hesitate to use it.
MedicAlert®
A MedicAlert® bracelet lets other people know about your allergy if you become unable to talk. Parents should speak with their child’s teachers about preventing, recognizing, and treating allergies.
Check with your school to see if it is part of the MedicAlert® No Child Without program.
Involve your children
You should teach your children about allergy management by letting them know:
- about safe eating practices, such as handwashing before eating and not sharing/trading food,
- how to recognize the symptoms of a reaction,
- how and when to take medicines like antihistamines,
- how to use an autoinjector and always carry it with them, when age-appropriate, if they are diagnosed with anaphylaxis.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your public health nurse
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555