Anaphylaxis
The current estimate by the Food Allergy Research and Education organization (FARE) is that 1 in every 13 children under the age of 18 have food allergies. According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. Food allergies account for 150-200 total deaths each year in the United States. Death occurs more often when there is a delay in the administration of epinephrine. See the National Association of School Nurses Position Statement for guidance on the role of school nurses in managing food allergies in the school setting.
Resources
- DPI Medication Training Resources related to epinephrine delivery
- The WISHeS Project Food Allergies: Managing and Preventing Acute Reactions in the School Setting provides school administrators, school nurses and staff with information, recommended policies, procedures, and resources to ensure that students diagnosed with anaphylactic food allergies have a safe learning environment. The best practice guideline recommendations provide recommended action steps for schools and school districts.
- eSchoolCare, an evidence-based online resource for school nurses is available by subscription. Content on chronic illnesses including asthma, allergies, and diabetes is presented by experts.
- The National School Boards Association (NSBA) recently released “Safe at School and Ready to Learn: a Comprehensive Policy Guide for Protecting Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies.”
- The CDC released Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs in 2013. The handbook consists of four sections with extensive information for families, a wide variety of school staff, health care professionals, and early childhood program staff.
- Food Allergy Research and Education Resources
- Food Allergy Video for Elementary Students
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Food Allergy Stages Handouts
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American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Anaphylaxis Interactive learning Guide. The Anaphylaxis Interactive Learning Guide is an innovative web-based audio-visual tool designed to enhance understanding of anaphylaxis and improve emergency response skills. The guide presents various scenarios, allowing users to practice recognizing anaphylactic emergencies and implementing effective responses.