Abstract: . . .  Okaloosa County School Health Services Manual ______________________________________________________________________ Chapter 7 ALLERGIES & ASTHMA Page 2 Okaloosa County School Health Services Manual ______________________________________________________________________ 1 Chapter 7 ALLERGIES & ASTHMA Overview Allergy is a common condition that occurs in about 20 percent of children in the United States. Asthma is one of the most common chronic illinesses of childhood, affecting more than 3 million children in the United States alone according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Allergies and asthma are leading causes of school absenteeism. The impact of both allergies and asthma can be seen not only in school absenteeism but also in the lack of participation in athletic and exercise programs and the amount of time spent . . .
. . .  Heart rhythm disturbances. Sense of impending doom, loss of consciousness DIAGNOSIS Allergy testing can help determine what substances an individual may be allergic to and provide guidance for the physician as to the severity of the allergy. Diagnosis is based primarily on: Medical history, including immediate past exposure to possible allergens Physical examination Response to treatment. TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT The best treatment for anaphylaxis is prevention by avoiding substances and situations that are known to trigger extreme allergic reactions. Children with food allergies that cause anaphylaxis must avoid even tiny amounts of the food or foods to which they are allergic. These children should not share food or snacks. School nurses, teacher and food service personnel should be informed of the allergy and the potential for a severe reaction. The ingredients of food served in the school should be known to the students. Children with insect allergy should not wear bright clothing or fragrances or be allowed to go barefoot. Playgrounds with known stinging insect infestation should be avoided, especially in early fall, when they become more aggressive and are more likely to sting. . . .
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