GLOSSARY
Acute-
Symptoms that occur suddenly and have a short and fairly severe course.
Adrenaline-
Syn. For epinephrine
Allergen-
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction. For some, milk is an allergen.
Allergic Reaction-
An immune system response to a substance that itself is not harmful but that the body interprets as such. When an allergen is eaten, the food allergic student produces histamine. Once the histamine is released in the body it cause chemical reactions which trigger inflammatory reactions in the skin (itching, hives, rash), the respiratory system (cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing), the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain), and the cardiovascular system (lowered blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, shock). Each person with a food allergy reacts to the allergy differently. Each reaction by a food allergic student may differ in symptoms.
Allergy Warning Label-
A bright colored label placed on the substitute teacher’s folder in the classroom alerting the substitute to look for information in the folder regarding the food allergic student.
Anaphylactic Reaction-
Syn. For Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis-
It is an immediate potentially life threatening allergic reaction. The most dangerous symptoms include breathing difficulties, and a drop in blood pressure or shock, which can be fatal. Asthmatic students are at an increased risk for anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis often involves various areas of the body at once such as the skin (itching, hives, rash), the respiratory system (cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing), the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain), and the cardiovascular system (lowered blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, shock). The drug to immediately use to abate anaphylaxis is Epinephrine (contained in an EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr. ®).
Antihistamine-
A drug that stops histamine from being released in the body during an allergic reaction. Benadryl is an example of an antihistamine.
Asthma-
A disease of the lungs in which there is widespread narrowing of airways. The airways become clogged with mucus. Students with asthma and food allergy appear to be at an increased risk for fatal anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the first line of defense for an anaphylactic reaction even with a child with asthma medicine.
Chronic-
Symptoms- Symptoms that occur frequently or last a long time.
Consumer Hotline (for food staff) -
Major food distributors toll-free numbers usually is found on packaging. Can be used to check for additional information on ingredients in a food or the foods processing procedures. (e.g., cross-contamination)
Cross- Contamination-
When a pan, utensil, or food that is a known allergen comes in contact with a food that is allergen free it contaminates it. The allergen free food is now unsafe for a student allergic to the food it was contaminated with.
Emergency Action Plan-
Part of the 504 Plan. It is a specific protocol which explains exactly what steps are taken if a child has an allergic reaction. It usually has the student’s recent photograph on the plan.
EpiPen®-
By prescription only. It is a device that, once activated, will automatically inject one measured dose of epinephrine when jabbed into the thigh. It looks like a black magic marker. The EpiPen® is contained in an orange cylindrical container as the medicine is light sensitive. Once out of the container, the EpiPen’s® grey cap is removed and it is activated and ready to use. It is firmly jabbed, with black tip, on the allergic student’s outer thigh. After a ten second hold, the EpiPen® is removed and the area is massaged. If the needle is projecting from the thick black tip of the EpiPen®, then the medicine has been injected. If no needle appears, than jab again. An EpiPen® simply abates allergic symptoms for 15-20 minutes. Symptoms may reappear if prompt medical attention is not given to the student. Always call for emergency personnel when epinephrine is given.
EpiPen Jr.®-
It works the same as the EpiPen®. It has the same medicine as in the EpiPen® but at a lower dose for lighter weight children. Like the EpiPen®, it delivers one dose only. The newer EpiPen Jr. ® has green packaging which distinguishes it from the yellow EpiPen®. Always call for emergency personnel when epinephrine is given.
Epinephrine-
The medicine contained in the EpiPen® and the EpiPen Jr. ®. The drug of choice for anaphylaxis. It is the first medicine that should be used in the emergency management of a child having a potentially life threatening allergic reaction. It is synonymous with adrenaline. There are no contraindications to the use of epinephrine for a life threatening allergic reaction. Always call for emergency personnel when epinephrine is given.
504 Plan-
Refers to a section in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination against a qualified handicapped individual by any program that receives federal funds. It is a legal document. It confers rights upon the parents by establishing a grievance procedure if the parents and school team do not agree on an issue in the Plan or if the Plan is violated. The parents are entitled to a due process hearing if the grievance cannot be eliminated through the school channels. There are administrative and federal court procedures. A 504 Plan encompass the student’s Emergency Action Plan and Individual Health Care Plan, and any other documents the parents and school deem relevant. More information on 504 Plans on the District web site at:
