Special Needs
Sandi Francis

Allergies

For many people, the onset of spring and summer also means the onset of allergy season.

Allergies occur when the body has an abnormally high reaction to what can sometimes be considered harmless substances. In an allergic person, the immune system reacts when an allergen or harmful invader is absorbed into their body. This causes a series of events which culminate with the body releasing histamine, which is what causes allergic symptoms. Allergic symptoms include:

• headaches
• irritability
• drowsiness
• cough
• dark circles under eyes
• varied attention span
• itchy, watery eyes
• sneezing
• runny nose

Some of the most common allergies are to foods, medications, pollens, insect stings, and moulds. People can have one allergy or virtually hundreds.

In some people who have severe allergies, ANAPHYLAXIS or ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION can be a life-threatening concern. This occurs when an extreme reaction to an allergen causes the person to have breathing problems, swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, hives, wheezing, tingling in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, flushing, or an asthma attack.

One or all of these can mean anaphylactic reaction, which can progress rapidly to the throat swelling closed, weakness and dizziness, loss of consciousness or death. People with these extreme allergies often carry epinephrine in the form of an injection called an EPI-PEN. Always know who in your Unit carries an epi-pen, where it is, and how to use it. This applies to girls and adults.

Always consider allergies a severe medical condition and work with the parents to ensure a safe environment.

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