Triggers at school?

This material was supported by the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) and funded under the cooperative agreement award number 1U61TS from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Acknowledgement: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the PEHSU by providing funds to ATSDR under Inter-Agency Agreement number DW Neither EPA nor ATSDR endorse the purchase of any commercial products or services mentioned in PEHSU publications.

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Goals Understand triggers for asthma and allergy Understand why food avoidance is necessary Recognize allergic reaction

Allergy As many as 50 million people-about one in five- have allergies. This includes millions of children. Allergic disorders rank first among children’s chronic diseases. Allergies can affect your nose, throat, eyes, lungs, skin, stomach or intestines. Allergic rhinitis, Non-allergic rhinitis, Asthma, Food Allergy, Food Sensitivity

Allergic rhinitis Allergic rhinitis is the most common of all childhood allergies. Runny, itchy nose Postnasal drip Nasal congestion Any time of the year Does not cause fever

Allergy Triggers Pollen Dust Animal dander Mold Spicy foods Smells Smoke Perfumes Air Fresheners

Asthma Chronic disease involving the airways of the lungs The majority of children who develop asthma do so before the age of five. In severe and poorly controlled cases, asthma can be life-threatening.

Asthma Death rate and prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the late 1970’s If there is a single factor leading to severe or fatal asthma attacks, it appears to be a delay in administering appropriate drug therapy. Rescue inhalers are very important.

Asthma Triggers Pollen Dust mites Mold Feathers Animal dander Some foods Smoke Dirt Odors Colds Flu Other illnesses Exercise Stress Cold, windy weather Sudden weather changes Perfumes

Asthma signs and symptoms Shortness of breath Chest tightness or pain Chronic coughing Trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing

Anaphylaxis Rare but severe allergic reaction Occurs suddenly Can worsen quickly Can be deadly

Anaphylaxis Symptoms/Treatment Sudden onset itchy, runny, sneezy allergy symptoms Sudden onset hives Sudden onset vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea Sudden onset wheezing/coughing Epipen/Auvi-Q Call 911 Call mom

What causes anaphylaxis? Food Stings from insects Latex

Food Allergy The most common trigger for anaphylaxis Peanut and tree nuts Fish and shellfish Milk Eggs These account for about ½ of all anaphylaxis cases and 100 U.S. deaths each year. Soy and wheat are also common.

Insect Stings Stings from insects are the cause of about 500,000 allergy-related ER visits each year and at least 40 U.S. deaths from anaphylaxis. Bees Wasps Hornets Yellow jackets Fire ants

Latex Increased in recent years because of more common use of latex in medical products. Children with spina bifida are at greatest risk of latex- induced anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis Symptoms/Treatment Sudden onset itchy, runny, sneezy allergy symptoms Sudden onset hives Sudden onset vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea Sudden onset wheezing/coughing Epipen/Auvi-Q Call 911 Call mom

Allergies at school School pets: furry animals may cause problems for allergic children. PE: asthmatic children should be able to participate, but they may need to pre-medicate with rescue inhaler. Dust: allergic children may need to sit away from the blackboards. Smells: Scentsy and other air fresheners may cause problems for allergy and asthma kiddos. Snacks: must be allergen free if you have a student who is allergic.

Sources American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology National Environmental Education Foundation National Association of School Nurses Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health

Discussion How this all makes sense…….

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