A 7-year-old girl's death last week following an allergic reaction that began at school underscores the severe and potentially deadly nature of many food allergies. Some doctors say that her tragic death should also serve as a reminder of how important it is to ensure children with food allergies stay safe.
According to USA TODAY, food allergy rates among school-aged children are climbing. They cite a study published in the journal Pediatrics which showed that about 8% of children have them, and the number of kids affected rose 18% in the decade ending in 2007.
Across the United States each year, about 150 people of all ages die from allergic reactions caused by food. Pediatric allergy specialist Robert Wood of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center says that nearly all of these deaths are caused by allergies to peanuts or tree nuts, which tend to be among the most severe food allergies.
Doctors say that while parents should try to protect their kids from allergens, they also stress the importance of preparing for potential slip-ups. “These are preventable deaths,” stresses Dr. Wood, when the right precautions are taken. While allergy care plans vary for different children, those diagnosed with a severe allergy should have access to an epinephrine auto-injector, commonly known as an EpiPen, which can reverse the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Know your state's laws regarding whether children can carry an EpiPen at school, or whether it must be kept by a teacher or school nurse.
Dr. Wood advises parents to talk to their child's teachers and others who may provide their children food and instruct their child not to share food, such as lunches or snacks, with others. Don't count on the school's 'nut-free' policy, if one is in place, says Todd Mahr of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “You are putting your head in the sand if you believe your school is ever going to be peanut-free.” Dr. Wood also reminds parents to develop a 'food allergy action plan' with their child's doctor to outline specific allergic reaction care instructions, and provide copies of this plan to teachers and other care providers.
Ban Peanuts on Planes:
PeanutAllergy Facebook:
Twitter:
PeanutAllergy.com Newsletter