4 Tips to Protect Your Child From Food Allergy Reactions at School

Seasonal and environmental allergies are common, but many individuals develop allergies to common foods and ingredients. While shocking to learn, an estimated 5.9 million children in America have a food allergy. If your child consumes foods they’re allergic to, they could experience digestive issues and skin rashes or anaphylaxis, which is a more dangerous reaction that causes airway constriction and your child's blood pressure to drop.

Due to these uncomfortable and life-threatening conditions, you must protect your child from food allergens at all times. With these tips and the help of your allergy specialist, you can protect your child at school from dangerous food allergies.

One of the first things you should do to protect your child is to discuss the allergy diagnosis with them. Most school-aged children are capable of understanding allergies, reactions, and the importance of avoiding these foods, so communication is key before they head off to school.

You should make sure they know which foods they are allergic to, but you must also teach them how to avoid items that may contain their allergen. For example, if your child is allergic to milk, they should avoid ice cream. If they are allergic to peanuts, they should not consume any foods that contain peanut butter or traces of peanut shells.

Some children will take food or snacks from classmates because they do not want to hurt their feelings. Explain to your child that this is a nice gesture, but they should never accept foods unless they are sure that they do not contain allergens. Teach your child how to decline snacks from friends in a pleasant manner.

Before the start of the school year, ask the school what procedures they already have in place for students with allergies. In most cases, you will need to complete a detailed form that lists each of your child's allergies. Your child's doctor can provide you with a copy of their medical records.

Your child's teacher should have a copy of this document in the classroom. However, teaching specialists, administrative staff, counselors, and nurses should also be aware of your child's allergies.

You should work with the teacher to ensure classroom parents understand your child's allergies, as well. Many schools have a policy in place which states foods and special treats brought into the classroom should be allergy-free, but reminding parents about the dangers of food allergies can be helpful.

Ask your teacher if it is possible to write up a letter or email explaining your child's allergies. In the note, you should list each of your child's food allergies and any baked goods or packaged items that should be avoided.

Reducing the risk of an allergic reaction is possible, but you, your child and the school should have a plan in place just in case. If your child comes into contact with an allergen, your child and the school must act fast.

Make sure your child understands they should alert an adult as soon as they experience symptoms. Also, teachers should know the signs of a reaction. Wheezing, swelling and difficulty breathing are common signs that a reaction is occurring. If teachers and staff notice these symptoms, your child will require medication immediately.

Work with your child's allergist and school staff to ensure there is an injection of epinephrine available in case of a reaction. A dose of epinephrine can counter your child's allergic reaction, so this injectable medication should be available in your child's classroom, in the nurse's office, and with your child's teacher at all times.
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It is possible to live with a food allergy, but it is important your child, family, friends, and school are educated on the matter. To learn more about your child's food allergies and to keep them safe while at school, consult Dr. Joeseph Planzer and the staff at the Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic today.