A collaborative effort of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
and The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center
What are Allergies?
Jennifer E. Wolford, DO, MPH, FAAP
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh,
Division of Child Advocacy
Rachel P. Berger, MD, MPH
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Division of Child Advocacy
Adelaide L. Eichman, MD
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Division of Child Advocacy
What is an allergy?
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The immune system’s job is to keep a person healthy by fighting infections and other
dangers to the body
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An allergic reaction happens when the body’s immune system thinks that a particular
substance (such as a food, bee sting, or medicine) is a danger. The immune system
overreacts and sets off a protective response.
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Some children have mild allergies, and others have severe allergies.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
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An allergy can cause a mild or severe reaction. Even if the first allergic reaction to a
substance is mild, the next reaction might be more severe.
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The most severe type of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. This type of allergic
reaction affects the whole body and is life-threatening.
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Symptoms of anaphylaxis are severe breathing problems, low blood pressure, and
changes in heart rate. These symptoms usually start within minutes of exposure to
the substance.
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What are Allergies?
What are the symptoms of an allergy? (continued)
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Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
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Skin:
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Hives
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Breathing:
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Shortness of breath
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Wheezing
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Cough
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Tight throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing
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Swollen tongue, difficulty talking or breathing
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Bowel (Gastrointestinal) system:
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Vomiting
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Stomach cramps
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Circulatory system:
Weak pulse
Low blood pressure
Dizziness, feeling faint
Blue or pale skin
What should a caretaker know about allergies?
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If a person is having anaphylaxis, he or she needs an injection of epinephrine
(usually in the form of an EpiPen)
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If a child has an allergic reaction bad enough to need the EpiPen, the child MUST
be taken to the hospital
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If a child needs an EpiPen, it is important to make sure that there is an EpiPen for
school and for every caretaker’s home, because a child could have an allergic reaction
anywhere. A child’s allergist or pediatrician can prescribe extra doses.
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All caretakers (including the child’s daycare and school) should have a plan for how to
react to an allergic reaction
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Caretakers should be taught how and when to use the EpiPen.
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It is important to make sure that the EpiPen is not expired.
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It is VERY important to know a child’s allergies: this includes allergies
to food, medicines, and/or bee stings.
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What are Allergies?
Content Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. 2014. “Allergy Tips.” https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Allergy-Tips.aspx.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. “Types of Allergies: Food Allergy.”
http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies
Braganza, S. 2003. “Food Allergy.” Pediatrics in Review 24(11): 393–94.
http://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/24/11/393.full.pdf+html?sid=c7713946-1677-4c91-aa01-3904bcd07a00.
Nimmagadda, S. R., and R. Evans III. 1999. “Allergy: Etiology and Epidemiology.” Pediatrics in Review 20(4): 111–15.
http://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/20/4/110.full?sid=c7713946-1677-4c91-aa01-3904bcd07a00.
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