What Are Allergies?

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. They can trigger sneezing, wheezing, coughing and itching. They may be linked to common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses such as sinusitis and asthma.

Allergic reactions range from mild to severe and even fatal reactions.

The most common allergic diseases are:

Hayfever (Allergic Rhinitis). Characterized by nasal stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, clear nasal discharge, and itching of the roof of the mouth and/or ears.

Allergic Asthma : Characterized by airway obstruction that is at least partially reversible with medication and is always associated with allergy. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness, and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eyes, itchy, watery eyes and lid distress.

Hives (Urticaria) A reaction of the skin characterized by itchy, raised white bumps surrounded by an area of red inflammation.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease characterized by lesions, scaling and flaking.

Contact Dermatitis:  Characterized by skin inflammation.

Sinusitis: An inflammation of the sinuses which frequently mimics the common cold but the symptoms persist for a longer period of time. Fever may develop or persist. Symptoms include frontal head discomfort, facial pain that often worsen when bending or straining, and yellow or green nasal discharge.

Otitis Media or Middle Ear Infection: Inflammation of the middle ear and eardrum. As many as half of children over three years of age with chronic otitis media have confirmed allergic rhinitis.

Anaphylaxis: A medical emergency and the most severe form of an allergic reaction characterized by life-threatening symptoms. Symptoms include a generalized warmth or flush; tingling of palms, soles of feet or lips; light-headedness; chest pain or tightness. This can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock and respiratory distress. Possible causes can be medications, vaccines, food, latex, and insect stings and bites.

Common Causes of Allergies:

Food Allergies:  Symptoms may include itching or swelling of lips or tongue; tightness of the throat with hoarseness; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; occasionally chest tightness and wheezing; itching of the eyes; decreased blood pressure or loss of consciousness and anaphylaxis.

Latex Allergies: Characterized by an allergic response to the proteins in natural, latex rubber.
Symptoms include hand dermatitis, eczema and urticaria; sneezing and other respiratory distress; and lower respiratory problems including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Insect Sting Allergies: Characterized by pain, itching and swelling at the sting site or over a larger area and can cause anaphylaxis. Insects that sting include bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants.

Drug Allergies: Characterized by a variety of allergic responses affecting any tissue or organ.

Interventions:

There are several approaches for controlling allergies  by reducing or eliminating symptoms:
• Avoiding the offending allergen(s).
• Taking medications, either prescribed or over-the-counter.
• Being immunized against allergens to which you are allergic with allergy injection therapy (desensitization).

With proper management and education, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.

The following sites can provide you with up-to date information on what you can do at home and in the school environment if your child has mild to severe allergies.