Food Allergy Back to School Guide

Yeah, yeah, I know it's still July, but it really is time to think about back to school if you're sending a food allergic child to school this fall. Here are some steps to take now:Contact the school to find out what paperwork is required for your child to have access to life-saving medication.Schedule a check-up with the allergist. Bring required school paperwork to the appointment for the allergist's signature. It's easiest if you fill out the portions pertaining to emergency contact information in advance. Many schools require the doctor to complete the treatment portion. Some doctor's offices charge a small fee to complete and sign forms.Get prescriptions for epinephrine as extra medications will stay at school.Meet with the school principal and nurse before school begins. Let them know...

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New Food Allergy Studies

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has just wrapped up their annual conference. Many studies related to food allergy were presented at the conference. Here are some interesting highlights:"Use of Epinephrine for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis by US Emergency Medical Service(EMS)Personnel in the Pre-Hospital Setting"- Only 17 states require EMS-Basics to have epinephrine available, and 15 states do not require any level of EMS to carry epinephrine for anaphylaxis treatment."Proactive Egg Ingestion in High-risk Patients with Severe Egg Allergy" Twenty-nine severely egg allergic patients were introduced to egg in carefully controlled increments. Eighty-six percent were able to eat one fourth of cooked whole egg within 10 months."What Does a Patient with Anaphylaxis Do before...

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