What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is when the body mistakenly reacts to a certain food or ingredient as if it were harmful. The food that causes the reaction is called an allergen.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy reaction?
Symptoms can happen within a few minutes or up to a few hours after being eaten, inhaled, or coming in contact with the allergen. Symptoms can be seen or felt in different parts of the body.
- Hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas on the skin) • Skin rash of eczema • Swelling of the tongue or throat and difficulty breathing • Itching in the mouth, throat, or ear canal • Abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting • Nasal congestion or a runny nose • Sneezing or slight, dry cough • Odd taste in the mouth • Trouble swallowing • Shortness of breath, turning blue • Drop in blood pressure (feeling faint, confused, weak, passing out) • Loss of consciousness • Chest pain • A weak or “thready” pulse • Sense of “impending doom” • Anaphylaxis • Death
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a serious reaction that happens quickly. Anaphylaxis can involve many different parts of the body. The most severe symptoms can restrict breathing and blood circulation and may cause death.
What are the most common foods that cause allergic reactions?
The most common foods include: • Milk • Eggs • Peanuts • Tree nuts (for example, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and pecans) • Wheat • Soy • Fish • Crustacean shellfish (for example, shrimp, lobster, and crab)
How are allergic reactions treated?
Reactions should be treated according to the student’s Food Allergy Action Plan/Emergency Care Plan. Antihistamines and other medicines can be used. In severe cases, epinephrine should be given as soon as possible. Always call 911!
Any student with an allergy that requires an epi-pen will need to have an emergency action plan. Your child’s allergist will most likely have their own template, but here is an option if not.
Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan
Your child’s teacher will let you know if there is an allergy in the classroom. Please be mindful of snacks/birthday treats that are being brought in. Here is a safe snack list that may be helpful!
*Please see the food & nutrition webpage for further info/forms regarding food allergies.
