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Allergies. Janisse Guzman. Definition/Description. According to: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ “An abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances, such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms.”
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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 nailbeds Retrieved 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
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=19&cont=253 • Marotz, L.R. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child, 7th ed. Wadsworth Pub Co.