Sending kids to school with food allergies can be a big stressor for parents. Good school systems that have an implemented plan, with a school nurse and administrators who follow the plan, are essential for the safety of our kids. Not every school system has these resources so parents and guardians of children with allergies may need to get more involved. So what are the best ways to handle allergies and school?
What is an Allergy
A child’s immune system is a lot like they are –– growing and learning. Unfortunately, sometimes the immune system overreacts to something that isn’t really harmful, triggering a reaction that can be fatal. What happens is your child’s body reacts to a protein and generates antibodies like immunoglobulin E (IgE). This causes a release of histamine which is why over-the-counter antihistamines are effective for mild allergies. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and hives. However, severe allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis which results in everything from breathing difficulties to death. Children at risk for this should either carry self-injectable epinephrine or have easy access to it. School staff should be trained in its use. Estimates are that around five percent of the population has experienced an anaphylactic reaction.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are probably the most challenging allergy to manage and for children the challenges are far greater. One reason is that just eight foods account for 90% of allergic reactions: milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nut/seeds, shellfish and fish.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that around eight percent of American children have a food allergy. This means in most classrooms at least two students will be allergic to some kind of food. One out of five of those children will have an allergic reaction brought on by something they eat at school. That’s why for children with serious food allergies, a normal school day is riddled with risk. It isn’t just navigating threats in the cafeteria. Special treat days like holidays and the end-of-the-year festivities are often accompanied by desserts that could be life threatening for children with food allergies. During these unusual events, pack special treats for your child. While some schools prohibit allergic substances, it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect most kids without allergies to forgo favorite treats for those who have them –– any more than you can expect the cafeteria to stop serving hamburgers to accommodate your vegan offspring. Instead, make sure your child is educated on the risks and that staff have access to ephedrine and know how to administer it.
It’s important to speak with your child’s teacher and principal before the start of the year. If your child has allergies, he best strategy is to have them bring food from home. Children love to share and swap food, so it’s important to discuss with your child the risks of this –– especially when they are in early elementary school. Placemats should be provided and a separate cloth should be used during cleaning to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Handwashing before eating should be encouraged.
Other Allergies
Of course, food allergies are not the only allergies that carry risks. Dust, pollen, and dander can trigger allergic reactions including life-threatening asthma. Even if your home is pet free, a classmate with a cat is likely bringing dander into the school since it clings to clothes. If your child uses an inhaler, make sure they have access to one whether on their person or with a staff member. The best defense really is a good offense.
Parents of newborns once restricted potential allergens like peanuts. There’s some evidence that this is why there has been a spike in allergies. Over the past few years, Pediatricians have recommended introducing small quantities of foods like peanut butter as a way to actually reduce the risk for an allergic response. Some allergy treatments also involve consuming minute amounts of an allergy-triggering food. Those quantities are then slowly increased. Although the results of this are promising, until successful treatments become widespread, educating your child about avoiding allergic reactions in school must start at home.
Written by John Bankston
References
- School Nurses in the US
- How kids’ immune systems can evade COVID
- Fatal Anaphylaxis: Mortality Rate and Risk Factors
- Food Allergies
- Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies In Schools and Early Care and Education Programs
- COVID-19 School Resources for Managing Asthma and Allergies
- Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud
