food allergy education
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Food Allergy education. Your Organization Name/Date Here. Food Allergy Basics. 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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
FOOD ALLERGY EDUCATION
Your Organization Name/Date Here
•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 is the only way to prevent a reaction
Food Allergy Basics
Food Allergy Basics
Milk
Egg
Wheat
Soy
Peanut
Tree Nut
Fish
Shell Fish
Eight Foods cause 90% of all allergic reactions in the US
As many as 15 Million people have food allergies 9 Million adults, or 4% of the population 6 Million children, or 8% (roughly 1 in 13) Milk, egg, wheat, and soy allergies often
resolve in childhood, yet are doing so more slowly than in decades past with still many children allergic beyond age 5
Peanut, tree nut, fish, and shell fish are generally life long allergies
One or more may occur within minutes to a few hours after ingestion
Symptoms
Anaphylaxis
A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death
Causes include foods, insect stings, latex, & medications
Each year in the US, anaphylaxis to food causes over 50,000 emergency room visits and 150 deaths
Individuals with food allergy plus asthma are at greatest risk for a life-threatening reaction
Prompt administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) is key to surviving anaphylaxis. Fatalities resulted from a delay/failure to give epinephrine.
Prescribed as Epi-Pen or Twinject auto-injectors
What is it? How to treat it.
Managing Food Allergies
Read every label every time Formulations can change
without warning Don’t rely on “safe lists” Allergens can be in non-
food items Soaps, shampoos, skin
products, medications, pet foods,
Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces to avoid reactions from trace amounts of proteins left behind Liquid soap, bar soap,
commercial wipes for hands, NOT antibacterial gel sanitizers
Dishwashing detergent and hot water for cooking utensils and cutting boards
Common household cleaners for counters, tables, and other surfaces
Vigilant Label Reading Careful Food Preparation
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
Activate the Food Allergy Action Plan Immediately!
Recognize the symptomsReact quicklyReview what caused the reaction and how well the action plan worked
If a Reaction Occurs
Food Allergy in Schools
Up to 25% of peanut/tree nut reactions in schools are first-time reactions
Most reactions in schools occur from food in the classroom used for projects or celebrations
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
Food Allergy in Schools
Create an environment where children, including those with food allergies, will be safe
Employ prevention and avoidance strategies
Be prepared to handle an allergic reaction
Address teasing
Clean hands before and after eating or handling food
Plan for safe parties/celebrations
Avoid using foods in classroom art/craft projects or as incentives
Prohibit food trading and sharing
School’s Responsibility Strategies to Minimize Risk of Reactions
What can we do?
Inquire on forms about allergy
Allergen-free events are not as difficult as you think they might be
Individually wrapped items at bake sales with ingredients listed
Understand the concern over food allergies & take them seriously
Create an atmosphere where all feel welcome and safe
Provide alternatives or have food-free events
Work with food allergy parents to make events safe for all kids
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network www.foodallergy.org
Kids With Food Allergies www.kidswithfoodallergies.com
Plus many others….
Resources