BACKGROUND: Extant literature indicates students living with food allergies (FA) experience biopsychosocial challenges (eg, social isolation, anxiety). The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of students living with FA during a usual weekday in a school setting. METHODS: Phenomenological study with purposive convenience sample…

Background: Researchers have found a relationship between having food allergies and anxiety in children. Anxiety may relate to others' lack of food allergy knowledge. This study investigated the relationship between having a food allergy and self-reported anxiety among children. Furthermore, knowledge of food allergies among children without food…

Background: Many schools implement well-intentioned food allergy policies; however, may not ease parents'/children's worry and concern. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore children's and parents' perceptions their school's food allergy policy and (2) compare these perceptions to the documented school policy. Methods: Children ages 8 to 18…

Background: Access to unassigned epinephrine is critical for schools to treat anaphylaxis. Low socioeconomic status is associated with decreased access to epinephrine in the school setting. In and around New Orleans, physicians partner with schools to assist with stocking unassigned epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs). New Orleans' decentralized…

Background: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction with significant risk for children with allergies. Access to potentially life-saving medication is critical for these children. This review aims to describe state laws and policies guiding stock epinephrine in schools for allergic or anaphylactic events and detail recommendations for…

Background: This article introduces the concept, food allergy literacy (FAL), which encompasses the knowledge, behaviors, and skills needed to manage a food allergy and is thus critical to child safety. Yet, there is limited clarity on how to promote FAL in children. Methods: Twelve academic databases were systematically searched to identify…

Background: Approximately 8% of schoolchildren in the United States experience potentially life-threatening food allergies. They must diligently avoid allergenic foods and have prompt access to epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis. These prevention strategies must be sustained without interruption, posing a range of challenges at school. Methods: We…

Background: Anaphylaxis is a serious and growing concern in the school setting as the prevalence of food allergies and food-induced severe allergic reactions continues to increase. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted regarding anaphylactic events that occurred during the 2014-2015 school year. Eligible schools were enrolled…

Background: Food allergy affects 1 in 13 children, or 2 children per classroom. Food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can result in death. In fact, 25% of first-time anaphylactic reactions among children occur in school. To address this, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of Student Health and…

During the past decade, prevalence of food allergies among children increased. Caring for children with life-threatening food allergies has become a major challenge for school personnel Prior to 2002, Massachusetts did not provide clear guidelines to assist schools in providing a safe environment for these children and preparing for an emergency…

Brief case studies are offered to show that allergic reactions are potential causal factors of learning disabilities. (GW)

Of all chronic diseases, asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. (MM)

Allergies have recently been related to the development of speech, language, and hearing problems in students. Diagnosis and treatment is compounded by multiple complaints or the absence of complaints. (Authors/CJ)

The author examines the problems of chronic respiratory disease in school-age children from a medical viewpoint, including recognition and diagnosis, commonly encountered diseases, their effect on participation in physical exercise, emotional factors, medication, and emergency care. (MB)

Environmental allergens are major triggers for pediatric asthma. While children's greatest exposure to indoor allergens is in the home, other public places where children spend a large amount of time, such as school and day care centers, may also be sources of significant allergen encounters. The purpose of this article is to describe schoolroom…