Ltfa

• 1. *BY: Dena Hinkle, RN, BS, ILCSN

2. ** Overview of food allergies* Definitions* List major allergens* Signs and symptoms* Medications* Respond* Recognize reactions* Administer medication* Prevent Exposure* Allergen-safe school environment* Knowledgeable staff* Other Considerations 3. ** Allergy An exaggerated response of the immune system to protein substances, either inhaled, ingested, touched or injected, that do not normally cause an overreaction in non-allergic people* Food Allergy allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system responds defensively to a specific food protein* Anaphylaxis life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the entire body; characterized by low-blood pressure, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea, swelling and hives; may result in shock or death; requires immediate medical attention 4. ** Over 3 million children under 18 have food allergies* 1 out of every 25 children* 16%-18% had a reaction at school* 30,000 cases of anaphylaxis and 150 deaths annually* 25% are undiagnosed food allergies* Peanuts, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy and wheat* Each person will react differently* Each reaction may differ and increase in severity* Symptoms usually appear within minutes but may occur within two hours after exposure and re-occur* NO CURE avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction 5. ** General dizziness, loss of consciousness, feeling of panic or doom* Mouth swelling of lips, face, tongue, throat* Breathing wheezing, difficulty breathing, congestion, cough, tightness of throat* Stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea* Skin hives, swelling, rash* Younger students may describe their reaction in an unusual manner* Screaming or crying* Complains that food is spicy or something is stuck in theirthroat 6. ** Antihistamine Benadryl or generic equivalent; Zyrtec or generic equivalent* May be given first if allergic reaction is mild and ingestionis not suspected* May cause drowsiness, nausea and dryness of mouth* Epinephrine EpiPen, EpiPen Jr. or Twinject auto-injector* Provided by parent/guardian* May be administered by school nurse or trained schoolpersonnel* May need to administer second dose* ALWAYS CALL 911* Inhaler asthma can exacerbate food allergy symptoms 7. * 8. ** Train staff* Allergen-safe lunch table, if desired* Adapt curriculum to exclude allergens or food altogether* Eliminate Cross-Contamination* Frequent hand washing* Disinfect tables and chairs as needed* Eliminate food sharing* Allergen-safe snacks and classrooms* Fruits, vegetables and hard cheeses* May need to be further limited* Non-food birthday celebrations* Stickers, pencils, temporary tattoos, classroom game or book, etc.* Medications taken on all field-trips and off-campus school sponsored activities 9. ** Emergency Action Plan* Medication orders; signed by physician* Distribute to all staff who has contact* Allergy History Form* Individualized Healthcare Plan* Section 504 Plan* School Nurse, teacher, parent* Distribute to all staff who has contact 10. ** Bullying* Support for students and family* FERPA privacy and confidentiality 11. **Have a plan *Prevent *Recognize *Respond