Allergy Outline
Revised 7/06
I.
Introduction
A. Introduce yourself
B. Purpose of pre and post
C. Importance of this training
1. Prevelance
2. Liability
3. Inclusion
a. Inclusion
i. ADA
II.
Objectives
A. Recognize signs of allergic reaction
B. Identify and address causes and aggravating factors of allergies
C. Effectively use an allergy Action Plan and Individual Care Plan
D. Recognize allergy treatment methods
III.
What is an allergy?
A. “An allergy happens when the human body’s natural defense system
overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance.”
1. AAP definition
B. Causes of allergies
1. tendency to have allergies is often passed on in families
2. allergens
a. inhaled
i.
dust mites
ii.
pollen
iii.
mold
iv.
animal dander
v.
latex
b. injected
i.
medications
ii.
insect stings
c. contact
i.
pet secretions
ii.
plants
iii.
latex
iv.
chemicals
v.
some metals
d. ingested
i.
food
 allergy vs intolerance
 intolerance – can tollerate small amount
 allergy – can’t tolerate at all
 label reading – every label, every time
 common food allergies
 eggs
 peanuts/tree nuts
 shellfish/fish
 sesame
 soy
 wheat
 milk
 cross contamination
ii.
medications
C. Aggravating factors
1. second hand smoke
2. weather changes
3. heat
4. cold
5. infection/illness
D. Signs of an allergic reaction
1. vary with person and allergen
2. itchy, watery eyes
3. clear, runny nose
4. sneezing
5. headache
6. congestion
7. itching, with or without a rash
8. stomach cramps
9. dark circles under the eyes
10. diarrhea
11. no fever
E. Conditions caused by allergies
1. asthma
2. hay fever
3. eczema
4. hives
5. contact dermatitis
IV.
Managing Allergies
A. Treatment
1. Environment
a. identify causes/triggers
b. avoid contact with allergens/triggers
3. Medication
a. control
i.
medication taken daily at home, if possible
ii.
over-the-counter medication can only be given for 3
consecutive days without a physician’s order/care plan
b. emergency
i.
give according to care plan/allergy action plan
ii.
usually antihistamine &/or epi pen
B. Communication tools
1. ODJFS Care Plan
a. parent completes
2. Allergy Action Plan
a. recommended as best practice
b. originates in the medical home
c. clearly describes the steps to take if child is experienceing any
signs
d. provides guidance to help manage child’s allergy
e. kept on file and easily accessible
f. review with parents annually or as changes occur
3. Parent/Guardian communication
a. information about the child’s condition should be provided in
written form
b. provide sample letter
c. can utilize ODH asthma & allergy form
d. use ODJFS incident report – follow procedure on form
4. Center Policy
a. best practice requires written policy
b. does your center have a policy?
c. Follow up with administrator regarding policy
V.
Anaphylaxis
A. Severe allergic reaction
B. Can occur immediately or 2-4 hours after exposure to allergen
C. Life threatening
D. Call 911
E. Be prepared to perform CPR
F. Treatment
1. for first episode
a. observe
b. call 911
c. prepare to give emergency care
2. Epi pen
a. epinephrine in an enclosed delivery system
b. must have care plan
c. do not use another person’s epi pen
d. must be with provider/child at all times
i.
take on field trips
ii.
take out onto playground
e. usage (video or demonstration)
f. disposal
i.
send to ER with child
g. check expiration date on a regular basis
i. notify parent when close to expiration so it may be exchanged
for a new one
h. must still call 911