Approximately 2.2 million school-age children have food allergies. Allergic reactions to food occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food as harmful and triggers antibodies to form to fight it. The next time the food or a component of it is ingested, the antibodies release histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include tingling in the mouth, rash or hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing and dizziness or fainting. Food allergies are potentially life threatening and should not be confused with food intolerance, which may cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods in question. This means being aware of exactly what your child is eating and being diligent when reading food labels. It is fairly easy to control at home, but once your child steps on the school bus, all bets are off.
Keeping the food-allergic child safe while in school should be a collaborative effort between the student, parents, teachers, school nurse, food service staff and the pediatrician. Food allergies must be considered for all activities throughout the day. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FANN) has created a comprehensive school allergy program, recommending the family work with the entire school team to develop special accommodations. This includes specific instructions for use of medications as directed by the physician.
The parents need to educate the child on self-management, including learning how to avoid unsafe food, read food labels and what to do if they think they are having a reaction.
When age appropriate, they should know how to self-inject epinephrine. Enlist friends and classmates to be aware of symptoms of a reaction and refrain from offering food, so they can be part of the plan to keep their food allergic friend safe.
The school should educate all staff who interacts with a food-allergy student on policies and procedures to prevent exposure and immediately recognize symptoms and steps to take in an emergency. Emergency medication should be accessible to the student at all times.
Students need tolearn to manage their own health as soon as they are mature enough to do so. They should be disciplined never to trade food or eat anything with unknown ingredients. They should be taught to tell an adult immediately if they think they are having a food related problem and not delay due to embarrassment. Role playing and practicing emergency procedures are effective ways to plan ahead.
Keeping a child with food allergies safe in school requires an organized plan:
• Download a Food Allergy Action Plan at www.foodallergy.org. There's a special section for kids.
• Medication should be properly labeled and checked regularly for expiration dates.
• Your child should always have emergency contact information with him.
• Regardless of time or place (after school, field trips, etc.) there should be a staff member who has been trained to handle reactions.
• School bus drivers should be aware of symptoms and know what to do in an emergency.
• Be up to date on special events and school trips to better plan to prevent problems.
• For cool medical alert bracelets, try www.cutemedicalbracelets.com or www.hopepaige.com.
