How to manage food allergy in nursery or school

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to describe effective management strategies in nursery or school based upon research findings.

Recent findings: The prevalence of food allergy and number of emergency department visits for food-related anaphylaxis are increasing in children and adolescents. As there is currently no cure, the most effective strategy to decrease allergic reactions is food allergen avoidance. However, allergic reactions are inevitable in both food allergic children as well as in first-time reactors. Misconceptions exist on the safety of products with advisory labels and questions remain on whether school-wide bans decrease the risk of allergic reactions in school. Recent legislation has prompted schools to consider requiring unassigned epinephrine autoinjectors to better manage those who have allergic reactions in nursery or school.

Summary: A collective effort is required to keep children with food allergies safe at school. Families, healthcare providers, and school personnel should be informed on food allergen avoidance strategies, symptoms consistent with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, how to respond to allergic reactions, and the impact the diagnosis of food allergy may have on quality of life for affected children and their families.