Presentation Transcript
What you should know about Food Allergy: What you should know about Food Allergy
Food Allergy Basics: 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 releases histamine and other chemicals to “attack” the food
Food Allergy Basics: Food Allergy Basics Symptoms may occur within minutes to two hours after ingestion
Almost any food can cause a reaction
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 Eight foods cause 90% of the allergic reactions in the United States:
Milk Wheat
Eggs Soy
Peanuts Fish
Tree Nuts Shellfish
Food Allergy Basics: Food Allergy Basics Foods that cause the majority of severe or anaphylactic reactions:
Peanuts
Tree Nuts
Fish
Shellfish
What does it mean to havea Food Allergy?: What does it mean to have a Food Allergy? Strict avoidance of that food
Constant vigilance
Just one little bite can hurt!
Symptoms of a Mild Food-Allergic Reaction: Symptoms of a Mild Food-Allergic Reaction Respiratory tract:
Itchy, watery eyes, running or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, itching or swelling of the lips, wheezing
GI tract:
abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Skin:
hives, eczema, itchy red rash, swelling
Symptoms sometimes progress rapidly to severe
reactions
Symptoms of a Severe Food-Allergic Reaction: Symptoms of a Severe Food-Allergic Reaction Respiratory
shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, tingling of the mouth, itching or swelling of the mouth or throat, change in voice
Cardiovascular
Drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness/fainting, shock
Causes of Accidental Exposures: Causes of Accidental Exposures Not reading ingredient label to be sure food is allergen-free
Food trading
Inaccurate labeling
Contamination from other foods from improperly cleaned utensils and table surfaces
There is no way to know how serious a reaction will become, so it is important to treat all reactions quickly.: There is no way to know how serious a reaction will become, so it is important to treat all reactions quickly.
Food Allergy Facts: Food Allergy Facts The same food can cause different symptoms from one student to another
Not all children have severe reactions to a food
Some mild reactions may become severe
A food allergy management plan is needed for all students with a food allergy, and may include the need for an EpiPen©
What other schools have done: What other schools have done Discuss “allowed” foods with the parents and child
Form a food allergy awareness team
Allow the allergic student to provide his/her own snacks and foods
Allow only commercially-prepared food with a preprinted ingredient statement
What other schools have done: What other schools have done Wipe all surfaces thoroughly between uses
Have designated “peanut free” table or section in the cafeteria where any student with a peanut free lunch is able to sit
Implement a “No food trading” rule
What other schools have done: What other schools have done Use books, music and other non-food items for celebrations
Have parents provide stickers or other trinkets for goody bags instead of candy
Use stickers to reward good behavior
Eliminate food items in class lesson plans
Review arts and crafts projects and avoid
using common allergens
Managing food allergies in schools requires teamwork between staff, parents, and students.: Managing food allergies in schools requires teamwork between staff, parents, and students.
Additional Resources: Additional Resources Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network -- http://www.foodallergy.org
Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. -- http://www.aanma.org
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology -- http://www.aaaai.org
American Academy of Pediatrics -- http://www.aap.org
Additional Resources: Additional Resources American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology -- http://www.allergy.mcg.edu
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America -- http://www.aafa.org/home
Food Allergy Initiative -- http://www.foodallergyinitiative.org
International Food Information Council Foundation -- http://www.ific.org