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