Managing Food Allergies in the Classroom

Food allergies are a rising concern that affect about 8% of children in the United States.1 That statistic equates to roughly 1 in 13 children per classroom.1 It is important for you to know how to keep students with food allergies safe in your classroom to prevent a potential life-threatening reaction.

Что такое пищевая аллергия?

A food allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a food as harmful and causes an immune response. Symptoms and severity of reactions in response to a food allergy will vary among children, ranging from mild to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction in which the body triggers an immune response. Strict avoidance of a food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction. If a reaction does occur, treatment with an epinephrine auto-injector must be given promptly to reverse life-threatening symptoms.

Пищевая аллергия против пищевой непереносимости2

As stated above, a пищевая аллергия is a potentially life-threatening response to a food triggered by the body’s immune system. With a food allergy, the body is reacting to proteins present in the food. A пищевая непереносимость is an adverse reaction to food that typically affects the digestive system. With a food intolerance, the body is reacting to the inability to digest sugars present in the food.  Food intolerances often cause symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or gas, and will not progress to a life-threatening reaction.

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