Life-saving tips for students with food allergies

For some parents, sending a child with food allergies to school can be worrisome. Dr. Sai Nimmagadda, a pediatric allergist/immunologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill., has provided these planning guidelines to ensure your student stays safe in school:

Communicate – Set up a meeting with the principal, school nurse and teachers before school starts to discuss your youngster’s specific needs and inquire about the food allergy management policies in place. Discuss the areas where food will be served and what measures are in place already. Have a plan for the school cafeteria and classroom. Is an “allergy free” table the best option for your child. Also, don’t forget about school field trips and what preventive measures will be in place to protect your child from accidental food exposure.

Get copies of important documents to provide to the school before the start of classes. This includes medication authorization forms (which state if your child can self-carry or self-administer medications at school), a special dietary meals accommodation form (if your kid will be eating food provided by the school) and an emergency action plan that will tell caregivers what to do in case of an allergic emergency.

Meet with the district food services director – If your son or daughter will be eating lunches provided by the school, ask how meals are managed for those with allergies and how your young one can request alternative options should the occasion arise. Also inquire about snacks and other food products that will be served during the day.

Visit your child’s doctor – Schedule an appointment in the weeks leading up to their first day back. Get required prescriptions for emergency medications (such as epinephrine auto-injectors; be sure these will not expire during the school year) and their doctor’s signature on the three medical forms mentioned above.

Practice caution – Encourage your son or daughter to read nutrition and ingredient labels of food, avoid items without a label and refrain from trying other’s food. Be sure they know how to use an epinephrine auto-injector, are aware of the symptoms their body might display if they have a reaction and how to contact school personnel in case of a health emergency. Let them know that any bullying or harassment they encounter, be it from staff or students, should be reported.

“Take these steps to help your young scholar stay happy and healthy in school,” says Dr. Nimmagadda.

Ready for school? Find the first-available pediatrician near you and schedule your child’s check-up or physical online.