ALLERGIES

An allergic reaction occurs when the body detects the presence of a substance or food that it deems harmful. In an attempt to protect itself the body's immune system produces antibodies and releases chemicals, such as histamine, into the bloodstream. The chemicals released cause many different reactions. Each allergic reaction is unique. An allergic reaction can be mild, severe or life-threatening, signs and symptoms can happen immediately or a few hours after a person has come in contact with an allergen. Please contact your school nurse for information.

Food Allergies

A food allergy is an abnormal response to a food, triggered by the body’s immune system (NIAID, 2010). It is a potentially serious immune-mediated response that develops after ingesting or coming into contact with specific foods or food additives. A life-threatening allergic reaction to food usually takes place within a few minutes to several hours after exposure to the allergen.

Symptoms of a food-induced allergic reaction may range from mild to severe and may become life-threatening. Reactions vary with each person and each exposure to a food allergen and the severity of an allergic reaction is not predictable.

Insect Allergies

The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling, and redness confined to the sting site. You can disinfect the area (washing with soap and water will do) and apply ice to reduce the swelling.

A large local reaction will result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site...

The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one. This condition requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include one or more of the following:

Hives, itching, and swelling in areas other than the sting site
Abdominal cramping, vomiting, intense nausea or diarrhea
Tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing
Hoarse voice or swelling of the tongue or throat, or difficulty swallowing

An even more severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis can occur within minutes after the sting and may be life-threatening. A dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), typically administered in an auto-injector, and immediate medical attention is required. Symptoms may include:

Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure
Loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest

People who have experienced an allergic reaction to an insect sting have a 60% chance of a similar or worse reaction if stung again.

Lancaster Independent School District

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Asthma

Allergies

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