Lincoln School PTA
Paterson & Burton Avenues - Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

• Balancing Your Blood Sugars 
• "The Rule of 15" to treat mild to moderate Hypoglycemia
• Physical Activity and Exercise  

For more information, visit American Diabetes Association (ADA) at www.diabetes.org or 1-800-342-2383

• NJ Family Care 
• Message from the School Nurse
• Flu Season...is here!

Allergy Basics*

What Is an Allergy?

Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. This substance (pollen, mold, animal dander, etc.) is called an allergen.

Allergies are a very common problem, affecting at least two out of every 10 Americans.

What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?

First, a person is exposed to an allergen by inhaling it, swallowing it, or getting it on or under their skin. After a person is exposed to the allergen, a series of events create the allergic reaction:

1.       The body starts to produce a specific type of antibody, called IgE, to bind the allergen.

2.       The antibodies attach to a form of blood cell called a mast cell. Mast cells can be found in the airways, in the intestines, and elsewhere. The presence of mast cells in the airways and GI tract makes these areas more susceptible to allergen exposure.

The allergens bind to the IgE, which is attached to the mast cell. This causes the mast cells to release a variety of chemicals into the blood. Histamine, the main chemical, causes most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The following are examples of the words a child might use to describe a reaction:

• "This food's too spicy."
• "My tongue is hot [or burning]."
• "It feels like something’s poking my tongue."
• "My tongue [or mouth] is tingling [or burning]."
• "My tongue [or mouth] itches."
• "It [my tongue] feels like there is hair on it."
• "My mouth feels funny."
• "There's a frog in my throat."
• "There’s something stuck in my throat."
• "My tongue feels full [or heavy]."
• "My lips feel tight."
• "It feels like there are bugs in there." (to describe itchy ears)
• "It [my throat] feels thick."
• "It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue [throat]."

If you suspect that your child is having an allergic reaction, follow your doctor's instructions.

* The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) used with permission.       www.foodallergy.org  or call (800) 929-4040

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov

or call 1-800-CDC-INFO