Back to School with Food Allergies

The first day of school is a time of anticipation and excitement for most students and parents. But for the families of children with food allergies, these emotions can be overshadowed by anxiety and fear.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that about 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.”

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 and is now 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 a safe environment at school.

Strategies for safety The AAAAI recommends the following back-to-school strategies for parents of food-allergic children:

Communicate with school staff Before the academic year begins, meet with your child’s teacher, principal, nurse and other staff to discuss allergy triggers and reactions. Prepare a food allergy action plan to keep on file at the school (find a template at (www.aaaai.org). Include a photo of the child with the form to simplify identification.

Provide safe situations 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, fieldtrips and other special activities .

Explain the danger Have an age-appropriate conversation with your child about the risk of food allergies. Talk about safe and unsafe food. Remind him not to share lunches or accept offers of food from classmates. Encourage him to notify an adult immediately if he eats something that may cause a reaction or begins to experience symptoms.

Keep medication available Work with school health care providers to keep physician-approved medications available. Mild reactions often require treatment with antihistamines. Children at risk of severe reactions should have injectable epinephrine within reach (older children can carry their medication with them; younger children should have it available in the classroom).

Have your child’s physician provide written instructions for administering epinephrine and confirm that school staff members understand their responsibility to act quickly. Medications should also be brought to all off-campus school events.

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 avoidance.

The AAAAI offers food allergy fact sheets, educational brochures and other resources for patients and school staff online at www.aaaai.org. The Web site also features a physician referral directory to help patients locate an allergist/immunologist in their area.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the United States’ largest professional membership organization dedicated to the allergy/immunology specialty. The AAAAI has nearly 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.