Food Allergies

Food AllergiesIn the classroom

By: Ana Williams

What are food allergies?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 damaging and then attacks in order to protect the bodyFACTS1 in 13 children have a life threatening food allergy (that is roughly 2 in every classroom)There is no cure for food allergiesComplete avoidance is the only way to prevent anaphylaxisThere are eight major food allergensMilkEggPeanutTree nut (cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts)SoyWheatFishShellfish (lobster, crabs, shrimp)

What is Anaphylaxis?A serious allergic reactions that comes on quickly and can result in deathCan be caused by a reaction to:FoodsInsect stingsLatexMedication Those with food allergies and asthma are at the highest risk for anaphylaxisWhat to look forTrouble breathingShortness of breathRepetitive coughingVoice changeSwellingLipEyesTongueHivesRed itchy rashNausea/ vomitingAbdominal crampingDiarrheaDisorientation

Most of these are common sense symptoms but disorientation is one you may not think about. If a student starts saying things that do not make sense or acting out of character that can be a sign of anaphylaxis.5What to look for cont.Click link to see what anaphylaxis looks likehttp://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/severe-reactions

TreatmentAdminister Epinephrine ImmediatelyEpi-PenTwinjectAuvi-QCall for help911Follow Action PlanEvery food allergy plan is unique

Food Allergies in SchoolManagementAllergies in the ClassroomFood for projects and celebrations are the main cause of reaction in schoolEvery school should have a plan in place to manage and reduce reactionsManagement is a team effortSchool staffStudentFamilyPhysicianPrevention and avoidance creates a safe environment

Risk ReductionHave everyone wash hands before and after eating or handling foodLimit food related activities and rewardsNo food sharingProperly train all staff membersTeacherAidsCafeteria staffEnrichment teachersArtPEMusicLibrary

Wrap UpAll students with known allergies should have an emergency action plan in placeAll staff should be trained to identify anaphylaxis and to administer epinephrine15% of all school aged children with food allergies have had a reaction at school25% of all epinephrine given in schools were to students with no known allergiesHave non-food related rewards and activities Hand washing is keyCreate awareness in the classroomPrevent bullying or teasingMany kids with food allergies report being bullied or teased for their allergies and often feel isolated during the school day. By creating awareness and keeping the classroom safe for all students will help prevent this in the classroom. 11ReferencesFARE Food Allergy Research & Education http://www.foodallergy.org/about-food-allergiesNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseasehttp://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodallergy/understanding/pages/quickfacts.aspxHealth Line http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/severe-reactions