32 million people in the United States had food allergies, 5.6 million (~7.6%) were children under 18 years of age while 26 million adults had food allergies, when surveyed in 2017. Individuals with food allergies have a greater chance to also have asthma, eczema and other respiratory allergic conditions. It is also important to understand that the combination of asthma and food allergies increases the likelihood of more severe allergy reactions because the reaction can trigger an asthmatic episode.
Four of the most common allergen foods include milk, egg, soy and wheat. Children often will outgrow these by age 5 years. The other four most common food allergens are Tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish. These 4 are generally are not outgrown, children will carry these allergies into adulthood.It is important to mention that the common 8 food allergens listed above are the only food allergens that manufacturers are legally required to list on ingredient labelling as allergen alerts. There at least 170 more foods have been identified as causing an allergic reaction in specific individuals. People with food allergies also face concerns over "hidden ingredients" and cross contamination.
As with the seasonal allergy response, in a food allergy response the body has determined that the protein marker in a certain food identifies it as “unwelcome” and over reacts to protect the body and get rid of the “unwelcome food ” The reaction can be seen nearly immediately after consumption or up to 2 hours later. Sometimes a response may take up to a week after the exposure to present itself. Reactions can include swelling in the form of hives, swollen lips, swollen tongue, swollen airway or by gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea. There may be localized or generalized itching. More severe responses like low blood pressure and anaphylaxis may also occur.
It is important to work with your healthcare provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Food Intolerances and Oral Allergy Syndrome need to be ruled out and a workable plan needs to be developed to ensure safety as well as maximized health. Discuss with your healthcare provider the likelihood that a food allergy reaction may lead to anaphylaxis.
It is also critical to provide the school with the most accurate information available regarding your child’s food allergy diagnosis. The school nurse can help you and your child navigate the many areas where children are exposed to food during the school day as well as implement the school’s part of the child’s allergy safety plan. Breakfast and lunch are not the only purpose for food during the school day. Food can be used in art projects, as a math lesson, as a reward, during a celebration or even causally shared by peers. Accurate information is needed to safeguard students with food allergies during the school day. School staff can be notified of the student's allergies. The cafeteria staff can flag those allergies in the cafeteria computer - an indication will be made when that student enters their cafeteria PIN. All staff are trained in anaphylaxis recognition and the use of emergency epinephrine auto injectors. We are all committed to keeping students as safe as possible. The more information we have the better our planning.
Will your child need allergy medication at school? Speak with your Healthcare provider to determine if allergy medication should be available at school. Forms are available below.