Mild to moderate allergic reactions
Most allergic reactions are mild to moderate. They are often a source of irritation and discomfort.
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Causes of allergic reactions
Causes of allergic reactions
An allergic response can develop after touching, swallowing, tasting, eating, or breathing-in a particular allergen.
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Symptoms of mild to moderate reactions
Symptoms of mild to moderate reactions
Most allergic reactions are mild to moderate and do not cause major problems, though they may be a source of irritation and discomfort.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction to dust mites, pollen, mould spores, or cat and dog dander can include:
- hives (itchy red spots on the skin)
- itching
- nasal congestion
- a rash
- scratchy throat
- watery or itchy eyes.
Recognise food allergy symptoms
Recognise food allergy symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- swelling of lips, face, eyes
- hives or welts
- tingling mouth
- abdominal pain
- vomiting.
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Recognise and respond to food allergies
Recognise and respond to food allergies
This short animation explains how to recognise and respond to the signs and symptoms of a mild-to-moderate food allergic reaction.
Source: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
No captions or transcript
Steps for responding
Steps for responding
Most reactions occur quickly after ingestion or contact with an allergen.
- Stay with the young person.
- Follow the young person's Allergy or Anaphylaxis Action Plan, if they have one.
- Give any prescribed medication or treatment.
- Observe the young person closely for any change in condition, particularly their breathing for indications of a more serious reaction.
- Mild-to-moderate allergic reactions, which can be caused by foods, insect venom, or latex need to monitored in case the reaction progresses to severe (anaphylaxis).
- Seek medical help if concerned.
- Contact family, whānau, or carer.
- Identify the cause of the reaction and remove, if possible.
- If possible, share the cause of the reaction with whānau and health professionals.
- Allow the young person time to recover in a quiet area.
- Report and record the reaction on the school medical register.
- Review the incident to address potential safety issues.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Schools and Kura
Read time: 37 min
Guidelines to support school leadership, management, and teachers throughout New Zealand to manage allergies and anaphylaxis.
What is allergy?
Definition of an allergy and an explanation of what happens during an allergic reaction and the areas of the body that may be affected.
Publisher: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
How to be allergy aware: Information for school students
Read time: 2 min
This information sheet for students supports awareness and understanding of allergies. This information is valuable for teachers.
Publisher: Allergy NZ
Download PDF
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Recognise and respond to allergic reactions”:
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