Peanut Allergies in Schools: What Can Parents Do?

It seems that everywhere you turn, you’re hearing about another kid with an allergy to peanuts. It’s not just your imagination.

According to a recent study, the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) reports that the number of children with peanut allergies doubled between 1997 and 2002.

This trend becomes even more troublesome when you consider the fact that a peanut allergy will cause more severe allergic reactions than most other food allergens, according to FAI’s website. This report specifically cites anaphylaxis as being among the most threatening allergic reactions to peanuts and other foods.

Anaphylaxis is defined by FAI as a potentially fatal allergic reaction. “During anaphylaxis, allergic symptoms can affect several areas of the body and may threaten breathing and blood circulation.”

Is it any wonder that the parents of peanut allergic children are so vocal about their child’s condition? To the parents of a peanut allergic child, sending them off to school can be a nerve-wracking experience. What can you do to protect your child and give yourself some peace of mind?

In an interview, Debbie Jordan — mother of three — talked about her second son, Andrew.

When asked if she feels worried about Andrew while he is at school, Jordan said: “Yes and no. I worry that he can be exposed and have a problem. However we have tried to educate many others at the school…We have educated Andrew.”

This is an idea that is suggested by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Their official website (www.foodallergy.org) makes further suggestions for managing a child’s food allergy while they are at school.

Suggestions for minimizing an allergic child’s risk include: Notifying the school about the child’s allergies, working with the school to develop a plan that accommodates the child’s needs, providing medications and medical information, and educating the allergic child so they can learn to manage the allergy on their own.

Jordan seems to have followed this advice to the letter and beyond, “I authored a healthcare plan which provides a ton of information about food allergies, Andrew and the issues we have noted as well as expectations and things we need from the school/teacher.”

Jordan has taken further precautions, having signs posted outside Andrew’s classroom declaring it to be a “peanut free” room. She has also provided epi-pens (auto-injectors containing epinephrine) for the school office and Andrew’s classroom.

In addition, Jordan has provided lists of foods on the school lunch menu that her son cannot eat, including a color photo of Andrew. He also eats his lunch at a “peanut free” table, where only kids who have not brought peanut foods can eat with him.

With many food allergies, it is very possible to outgrow them. Andrew Jordan himself outgrew allergies to milk, wheat, and eggs by the age of 6. Peanut allergies however, tend for the most part to be a lifelong condition.

According to the FAI website, there can be some hope for parents. In a recent study it was shown that approximately 1 in 5 peanut allergic children actually do outgrow their allergy.

Heidi Johnson, mother of four, talked about her nine year old son Ryker’s peanut allergy. When first contacted, Johnson expressed hope that her son had already started to outgrow his allergy: “He seems to be growing out of it, and can even eat foods that have been processed with nuts in the factory.”

When asked what action she would take should Ryker’s doctor one day say that he had outgrown his allergy, Johnson said: “We would just be cautious…I think we will always inform him (Ryker) of treats or any other foods that may contain nuts, just to be safe."

Johnson has followed similar guidelines to those of Debbie Jordan in keeping her son, who attends the same school as Andrew, safe while at school: “[We] inform the teacher and classmates of his allergy. He is old enough to know what he can and cannot eat.”

Andrew Jordan consented to answer a few questions about his allergy. When asked how much he knew about it, he answered: “If I eat peanuts I could die. I need to stay away from people eating things with nuts.”

When asked how he feels about his allergy, Andrew said: “Afraid. Because I don’t want to die and having a reaction can be scary.”

Andrew isn’t alone however. In addition to his family, Andrew talked about how his teacher helps him while he’s at school: “[My teacher] makes sure there aren’t any peanuts around me. She has [the medicine] I need in the room. She lets me call my mom when I’m not sure about a food. She keeps me safe.”

Having a child with an allergy, or being the allergic person can be a scary experience. But with the proper education and taking the necessary precautions, you can stay in control of a food allergy instead of allowing it to control you.