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Food Allergies. Managing Food Allergies in the School Setting. Food Allergy Basics. The role of the immune system is to protect the body from germs and disease A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a food protein
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Food Allergies Managing Food Allergies in the School Setting
Food Allergy Basics • The role of the immune system is to protect the body from germs and disease • A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a food protein • When the food is eaten, the immune system thinks the food is harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals to “attack” the enemy • There is no cure for food allergy • Complete and strict avoidance of the food is the only way to prevent a reaction
Food Allergy Basics Eight foods account for 90% of all allergic reactions: Peanuts Tree Nuts Milk Fish Wheat Eggs Soy Shellfish
Food Allergy Facts • As many as 15 million Americans have a food allergy • An estimated 9 million, or 4%, of adults have food allergies • Nearly 6 million or 8% of children have food allergies with young children affected most • Food allergies and associated anaphylaxis appears to be on the rise. • According to a study released in 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about an 18% increase in food allergy was seen between 1997 and 2007. • The prevalence of peanut allergy among children appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008.
Food Allergy in Schools • More than 15% of school aged children with food allergies have had a reaction in school. • Approximately 20-25% of epinephrine administrations in schools involve individuals whose allergy was unknown at the time of the reaction. • Food allergy reactions happen in multiple locations throughout the school, and are not limited to the cafeteria.
Food Allergy in Schools • Once a reaction begins, there is no way to know how severe it will become • Take all food allergy-induced allergic reactions seriously • Every school should have a plan for managing food allergies
Anaphylaxis • A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Common causes of anaphylaxis include food, medication, insect stings, and latex. Food allergy is believed to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting • The CDC reported that food allergies result in more than 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year among children under the age of 18. • Individuals with food allergy plus asthma are at greatest risk for a serious reaction
Be Prepared for an Allergic Reaction • Accidents are never planned • Keys to being prepared: • Medications must be immediately available at all times • Knowing how to recognize symptoms and administer medications quickly • A written Food Allergy Action Plan
The Food Allergy Plan Developing the plan is a team effort involving: • School staff • Child’s family (parents/guardians) • Child’s physician • The child who has allergies, as age-appropriate; older students may be allowed to self administer emergency medication with a doctor’s permission.
If a Reaction Occurs Activate the Food Allergy Action Plan Immediately! Recognize the symptoms React quickly Review what caused the reaction and how well the action plan worked
Trouble swallowing Shortness of breath Repetitive coughing Voice change Swelling Hives Eczema Itchy red rash Nausea & vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal cramping Drop in blood pressure Loss of consciousness Symptoms – one or more may occur shortly after eating
How a child might describe an allergic 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]."
Treatment Epinephrine (adrenaline) Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating an anaphylactic reaction. It works to reverse the symptoms and helps to prevent its progression. Follow the physician's instructions for treatment listed on action plan and administer medication promptly. Call Emergency Medical Services (or 911) and request an ambulance with epinephrine
Treatment con’t. Antihistamines (such as Benadryl®) and steroids (such as prednisone) are often used to help the recovery of a person with an anaphylactic reaction. Antihistamines and asthma medications (such as albuterol) may be administered with epinephrine, but never instead of epinephrine during anaphylaxis, because they cannot reverse many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
School’s Responsibility • Create an environment where children, including those with food allergies, will be safe and included • Employ prevention and avoidance strategies • Be prepared to handle an allergic reaction • Address teasing
Family’s Responsibility • Provide written medical documentation • Work with the school to develop a plan • Provide properly labeled medications and replace after use or when expired • Keep emergency contact information up-to-date • Teach the child age-appropriate self-management skills
Strategies to Minimize Risk of Reactions • Clean hands before and after eating or handling food • Plan for safe parties/celebrations – check with the school nurse for any students with food allergies • Avoid using foods in classroom art/craft projects or as incentives • Prohibit food trading and sharing
Strategies to Minimize Risk of Reactions Remind students: Never take food allergies lightly. Don’t share your food with friends who have food allergies. Wash hands after eating. Ask what your friends are allergic to and help them avoid it. If a friend who has food allergies becomes ill, get help immediately
Teacher’s Checklist Be familiar with your school’s emergency procedures. Know how to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction and what to do if a reaction occurs. Be sure to notify substitute teachers and aides about students’ food allergies. Avoid using food in your lesson plans, such as math lessons and art projects. Don’t use food as an incentive or reward. Minimize the use of food in class parties or celebrations. Develop a plan for communicating with parents about issues that might affect their child’s food allergies. Consider food allergies when planning for field trips, and be sure to include the school nurse and parents early in the planning process. Check the ingredient labels on pet food, if your classroom has a pet.
Key Points for Schools • Reactions can occur anywhere in school • Early recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis is imperative and life-saving • Education of all staff is important
Free Downloads From FAANwww.foodallergy.org • Food Allergy Action Plan • School Guidelines for Managing Students With Food Allergies • Information Sheets • How to Read a Label, Facts and Statistics • Be A PAL: Protect ALife From Food Allergies™ • Posters
For More Information (800) 929-4040 www.foodallergy.org
Documentation Please print this slide (page 24). Sign, date, and turn in to your school nurse. I have reviewed the presentation on Food Allergies and have a full understanding of the safe practices that can assist me when dealing with students that have food allergies. _____________________ __________ Signature of Employee Date
