Food Allergies in Schools
November 03, 2010
Due to the number of food allergies being diagnosed in school age children, over the past few years, schools across the nation are making big changes in menus and putting strong restrictions on what is allowed into schools for snacks and school parties. Many schools are becoming peanut-free. More children than ever are coming to school with auto-injector medications, such as an Epipen, prescribed by a physician to use if a child is exposed to a known allergen.
Some of the signs of an allergic reaction are flushing or a warmth or redness of the skin, itching and/or hives, hoarseness, anxiety, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
The most common food allergies in children are eggs, milk, peanuts and foods with peanut oils, and fruits, particularly tomatoes and strawberries. Many children outgrow these allergies but while young, they can be lethal.
The most beneficial step a parent/guardian can do for a child with food allergies is to communicate with the school, especially the school nurse and teachers. Measures can be taken to help prevent exposure and ensure proper steps are made in case an exposure would occur.
If your child does not have food allergies, it is still important to talk to them about respecting children with food allergies. Children with food allergies cannot help it and being bullied about them will not be tolerated.
Please keep in mind that when sending snack to school for birthdays or regularly scheduled festivities, avoiding foods with the common allergies is appreciated. I will be sending home letters to classrooms that have students in them with food allergies. This will not only help avoid food allergy reactions but also help students with allergies not feel left out.
Please help make our school a safe place for your child to be. If your child has a food allergy, please do not hesitate to call me. Your child’s safety could just be a phone call away. You can reach me at 309-627-2339 or email me at scott-barb@wc235.k12.il.us.
Barbara Scott RN
District Nurse
