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The first day of school is a time of excitement for most students and parents. But for the families of children with food allergies, this time also can bring fear of exposure to foods that trigger allergic reactions. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that approximately 2.2 million school-age children suffer from food allergies.
“Managing food allergies in schools requires a team effort between staff, parents, students and the child’s allergist,” said Anne Munoz-Furlong, chair of the AAAAI Adverse Reaction to Foods Committee. “Reactions can occur on the first day of school, so it is best to meet and develop a management plan a few weeks before school starts.”
The AAAAI recommends the following back-to-school strategies for parents of food-allergic children:
- Identify the risk. An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat food allergies. Once an allergy trigger is identified, an allergist/immunologist can provide detailed information on how you can help your child avoid it.
- Communicate with school staff. Before school begins, meet with your child’s teacher, principal, school nurse, and other staff to discuss allergy triggers and reactions. Prepare a food allergy action plan to keep on file at the school. Include a photo of your child to simplify identification.
- Plan for safety. If necessary, work with school administrators to create allergy-free dining areas, such as a peanut-free table in the cafeteria. Send safe treats from home for classroom parties, field trips, and other activities.
- Explain the danger. Talk with your child about the dangers of his or her food allergies. Talk about safe and unsafe food. Remind your child not to share lunches or accept offers of food from classmates. Teach your child to notify an adult immediately if he or she eats something that could, or has begun to cause an allergic reaction.
- Ensure medication is available. Work with school healthcare providers to ensure physician-approved medications are available to your child. Mild reactions often require treatment with antihistamines. Children at risk for severe reactions should have injectable epinephrine within reach. Have your child’s physician provide written instructions for administering epinephrine and confirm that school staff understand their responsibility to act quickly and know how to administer the medications. Medications also should be available at all off-campus school events.
The AAAAI offers food allergy fact sheets, educational brochures, action plan templates, and other resources at www.aaaai.org.
Legislation under consideration by Congress, and endorsed by the AAAAI, would provide schools nationwide with standardized guidelines for managing students with food allergies. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act (FAAMA) was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2008 and currently is pending in the Senate. But until such a uniform standard exists, the AAAAI urges parents and administrators to take careful measures to provide food-allergic children with a safe environment at school.
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