Sep 15 (AllergyHealthOnline) - As the new school year begins, two allergy organizations are urging parents to alert their children's school to any food allergies or insect sting allergies their child may have. Food allergies and insect sting allergies are serious conditions that can trigger the life threatening reaction known as anaphylactic shock.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) recommend that parents take several steps to protect their children from allergies at school. The organizations also urge the parents of asthmatic children to share a copy of their child's asthma action plan with the school.

The two groups urge the following steps be taken to protect children with food and insect sting allergies while at school:

• With a physician's help, identify the child's triggers and make sure the child understands what these triggers are.
• Meet with school staff and tour the school facilities to better understand school policies regarding food preparation and emergency healthcare response.
• Make sure the school has written instructions on how to properly identify and treat the child's allergic reaction.
• Make sure school staff knows how to properly administer any medications the child may need, such as epinephrine.
• Make arrangements with the school to either have the child carry his/her own medication, or else have the medication instantly available through several different school staff members.

"All school staff must be made aware of the potentially severe nature of an anaphylactic reaction. Parents need to work together with teachers, coaches and school nurses to avoid triggers and act quickly if a reaction occurs." explained S. Allan Bock , MD, FAAAAI, and Chair of the AAAAI's Anaphylaxis Committee, in a recent press release.

The AAAAI is a group working for the advancement and knowledge of allergy, asthma and immunology for improved patient care. It is made up of allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists and others. The FAAN is a nonprofit organization representing the million of American who have food allergies.

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