Food Allergy 'ABC's: New Checklist Helps Parents, School Staff Prepare

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 13 Aug 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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As more than 2.2 million children with food allergies head back to school in coming weeks, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) encourages parents, in cooperation with school staff, to take measures to ensure safety.

"Open and frequent communication between parents and school staff is a key ingredient to keeping food-allergic students out of harm," said Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, whose own nut-allergic son enters kindergarten this fall. "It takes a partnership to establish effective avoidance strategies and emergency plans."

To assist parents and school staff as they prepare for students with food allergies, the AAAAI offers a checklist of tips and a sample food allergy action plan. Both resources can be downloaded at no cost at http://www.aaaai.org.

Among the tips included in the checklist:

- Inform the school cafeteria, teachers and other staff of what foods to avoid. Pack bag lunches. Have your child avoid classroom snacks and sharing food with friends.

- Send safe snacks to school anytime the classroom is having a party (birthday, holidays, etc.).

- Advocate for "no eating" policies on buses and in other settings where kids aren't supervised.

Another important consideration: "Parents should be aware of expiration dates and keep in contact with their allergist to insure that all medication, especially self-injectable epinephrine, is replaced prior to expiration," said Pistiner, a member of the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee.

The AAAAI checklist also offers guidance for students with asthma and other allergic diseases.

An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat food allergies. Once an allergy trigger is identified, an allergist/immunologist can provide detailed information on avoidance.

The AAAAI offers food allergy fact sheets, educational brochures and other resources for patients and school staff online at http://www.aaaai.org. The Web site also features a physician referral directory to help patients locate an allergist/immunologist in their area.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the United States' largest professional membership organization dedicated to the allergy/immunology specialty. The AAAAI has nearly 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

AAAAI