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Food Allergy Management at School in the Era of Immunotherapy
Jessica W Hui1, Mandy Copeland2, Bruce J Lanser3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.
Insights
Managing food allergies in schools is crucial as prevalence rises. This review covers guidelines, allergen-free environments, and training to ensure student safety and address medical and social needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Public Health
- School Health Management
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of food allergies in children.
- Potential for severe reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis.
- Children spend significant time in school settings, necessitating safety measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current food allergy guidelines and legislation relevant to schools.
- Assess allergen-free school environments and their effectiveness.
- Examine the role of anaphylaxis action plans and personnel training.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current food allergy guidelines and legislation.
- Analysis of allergen-free school assessments.
- Evaluation of training programs for school personnel.
- Review of emerging food allergen immunotherapy treatments.
Main Results:
- Food allergy management in schools requires strict allergen avoidance and reaction treatment.
- Anaphylaxis action plans and trained personnel are vital for safety.
- Emerging treatments like immunotherapy necessitate enhanced school-based education and management.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of food allergies in schools involves collaboration between families, school staff, and clinicians.
- Addressing both medical and social implications of food allergies is critical in the school environment.
- Ongoing education and updated protocols are essential as treatments evolve.
Purpose Of Review:
Food allergy is increasing in prevalence, and management focuses on strict avoidance of known allergens and appropriately treating reactions. Any reaction has the potential to result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Children spend a significant amount of time in the childcare or school setting, and interactions between families, school personnel, and clinicians are important to ensure the health and safety of children with allergies and asthma.
Recent Findings:
This review examines current food allergy guidelines and legislation, an assessment of allergen-free schools, the importance of written anaphylaxis action plans, training and education of school personnel, emerging treatment options, and the social implications of having food allergies. As the clinical use and research into food allergen immunotherapy continues to expand, an additional level of education and management is required of school personnel and caregivers. Food allergy has both medical and social implications, which are magnified in the school setting.
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