Food Allergy education

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FOOD ALLERGY EDUCATION Your Organization Name/Date Here

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Food Allergy education. Your Organization Name/Date Here. Food Allergy Basics. A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a food protein When the food is eaten, the immune system thinks the food is harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals to “attack” the enemy - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Food Allergy education

Page 1: Food Allergy education

FOOD ALLERGY EDUCATION

Your Organization Name/Date Here

Page 2: Food Allergy education

•A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a food protein•When the food is eaten, the immune system thinks the food is harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals to “attack” the enemy•There is NO CURE for food allergy•Complete and strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction

Food Allergy Basics

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Food Allergy Basics

Milk

Egg

Wheat

Soy

Peanut

Tree Nut

Fish

Shell Fish

Eight Foods cause 90% of all allergic reactions in the US

As many as 15 Million people have food allergies 9 Million adults, or 4% of the population 6 Million children, or 8% (roughly 1 in 13) Milk, egg, wheat, and soy allergies often

resolve in childhood, yet are doing so more slowly than in decades past with still many children allergic beyond age 5

Peanut, tree nut, fish, and shell fish are generally life long allergies

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One or more may occur within minutes to a few hours after ingestion

Symptoms

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Anaphylaxis

A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death

Causes include foods, insect stings, latex, & medications

Each year in the US, anaphylaxis to food causes over 50,000 emergency room visits and 150 deaths

Individuals with food allergy plus asthma are at greatest risk for a life-threatening reaction

Prompt administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) is key to surviving anaphylaxis. Fatalities resulted from a delay/failure to give epinephrine.

Prescribed as Epi-Pen or Twinject auto-injectors

What is it? How to treat it.

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Managing Food Allergies

Read every label every time Formulations can change

without warning Don’t rely on “safe lists” Allergens can be in non-

food items Soaps, shampoos, skin

products, medications, pet foods,

Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces to avoid reactions from trace amounts of proteins left behind Liquid soap, bar soap,

commercial wipes for hands, NOT antibacterial gel sanitizers

Dishwashing detergent and hot water for cooking utensils and cutting boards

Common household cleaners for counters, tables, and other surfaces

Vigilant Label Reading Careful Food Preparation

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Be Prepared for an Allergic Reaction

Accidents are never planned Keys to being prepared:

Medications must be immediately available at all times

Knowing how to recognize symptoms and administer medications quickly

A written Food Allergy Action Plan

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Activate the Food Allergy Action Plan Immediately!

Recognize the symptomsReact quicklyReview what caused the reaction and how well the action plan worked

If a Reaction Occurs

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Food Allergy in Schools

Up to 25% of peanut/tree nut reactions in schools are first-time reactions

Most reactions in schools occur from food in the classroom used for projects or celebrations

Once a reaction begins, there is no way to know how severe it will become

Take all food allergy-induced allergic reactions seriously

Every school should have a plan for managing food allergies

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Food Allergy in Schools

Create an environment where children, including those with food allergies, will be safe

Employ prevention and avoidance strategies

Be prepared to handle an allergic reaction

Address teasing

Clean hands before and after eating or handling food

Plan for safe parties/celebrations

Avoid using foods in classroom art/craft projects or as incentives

Prohibit food trading and sharing

School’s Responsibility Strategies to Minimize Risk of Reactions

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What can we do?

Inquire on forms about allergy

Allergen-free events are not as difficult as you think they might be

Individually wrapped items at bake sales with ingredients listed

Understand the concern over food allergies & take them seriously

Create an atmosphere where all feel welcome and safe

Provide alternatives or have food-free events

Work with food allergy parents to make events safe for all kids

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Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network www.foodallergy.org

Kids With Food Allergies www.kidswithfoodallergies.com

Plus many others….

Resources

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Thank You!!

Kim Wilson, food allergy [email protected]

Questions?