Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Allergies: An Overview

What are allergies?

• Allergy is the term that is used to describe the body's overreaction to something that it views as foreign or different.

• The body reacts by releasing histamine and other substances that cause allergic symptoms.

• There are many different types of allergic reactions; some are minor and annoying, but some are serious and life threatening.

• One form of a serious allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis.

• Some other examples of allergic reactions are

  • Stuffy nose

  • Runny nose

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Hives (urticaria)

  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

  • Contact dermatitis

  • Wheezing

  • Itching of roof of mouth

  • Swelling of throat or mouth

  • Swelling of the skin (angioedema)

  • Stomach cramps

• A child can be allergic to many things. Some children have a tendency toward allergies and may have many of the symptoms. The things that people are allergic to are called allergens.

• Some common things that children are allergic to include

  • Foods, especially peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, wheat, eggs, fish, and shellfish

  • Pollen

  • Mold or mildew

  • Dust mites

  • Animal dander, especially from cats and dogs

  • Inhaled scents (Perfume, incense, and smoke are irritants that cause symptoms, but not allergens.)

  • Medications

  • Topicals (things that are placed on the skin such as creams or lotions)

  • Insect stings or droppings

  • Latex