Food Allergies In 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 body

FACTS 1 in 13 children have a life threatening food allergy (that is roughly 2 in every classroom) There is no cure for food allergies Complete avoidance is the only way to prevent anaphylaxis There are eight major food allergens o Milk o Egg o Peanut o Tree nut (cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts) o Soy o Wheat o Fish o Shellfish (lobster, crabs, shrimp)

What is Anaphylaxis? A serious allergic reactions that comes on quickly and can result in death Can be caused by a reaction to: o Foods o Insect stings o Latex o Medication Those with food allergies and asthma are at the highest risk for anaphylaxis

What to look for Trouble breathing o Shortness of breath o Repetitive coughing o Voice change Swelling o Lip o Eyes o Tongue Hives o Red itchy rash Nausea/ vomiting o Abdominal cramping o Diarrhea Disorientation

What to look for cont. Click link to see what anaphylaxis looks like reactions reactions

Treatment Administer Epinephrine Immediately o Epi-Pen o Twinject o Auvi-Q Call for help o 911 Follow Action Plan o Every food allergy plan is unique

Food Allergies in School Management

Allergies in the Classroom Food for projects and celebrations are the main cause of reaction in school Every school should have a plan in place to manage and reduce reactions Management is a team effort o School staff o Student o Family o Physician Prevention and avoidance creates a safe environment

Risk Reduction Have everyone wash hands before and after eating or handling food Limit food related activities and rewards No food sharing Properly train all staff members o Teacher o Aids o Cafeteria staff o Enrichment teachers Art PE Music Library

Wrap Up All students with known allergies should have an emergency action plan in place All staff should be trained to identify anaphylaxis and to administer epinephrine o 15% of all school aged children with food allergies have had a reaction at school o 25% of all epinephrine given in schools were to students with no known allergies Have non-food related rewards and activities Hand washing is key Create awareness in the classroom Prevent bullying or teasing

References FARE Food Allergy Research & Education o National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease o acts.aspx acts.aspx Health Line o