Southington Public Schools

Southington, Connecticut


Southington Public Schools Food Allergy Plan

Revised 01/2013

Contents

Introduction2

Overview2-3

Glycogen storage disease (GSD)4-5

Food Allergy Information Sheet for Parents/Legal Guardians 6-7

Roles of Students 8

Roles of Parents/Legal Guardians 9

Roles of School Administrator 10

Roles of School Nursing 11-13

Roles of Classroom Teacher/Specialist 14-17

Roles of School Mental Health Staff 18

Roles of Food Service 19-20

Roles of School Bus Company 21

Roles of School Medical Advisor 22

Roles of Coaches/Staff in Charge of Before/After Activities 23

Peanut Warning Sign: SHS 24

Teacher’s Checklist for Managing Food Allergies 25

How a Child Might Describe a Reaction 26

Teacher’s Risk Assessment Question of Field Trip Destination 27-28

Field Trip Medication and Health Concerns 29

How to Use an EpiPen 30

Sample Food Allergy Action Plan 31-32

Allergy History Information Request 33

Emergency Care Plan (ECP)34

How to Read Food Labels (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) 35-42

Sample Letter to Parent/Legal Guardian 43

Self-Administration Assessment and Contract 44-45

Be a PAL Fact Sheet 46

Food Allergies and School for Teens 47

Introduction

The goal of the Southington Board of Education Food Allergy Management/ Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD)Plan is to maintain the health and safety of students with life-threatening allergies and GSD in ways that are developmentally appropriate, promote self-advocacy and competence in self–care and provide educational opportunities. It focuses on education, prevention and appropriate response should an emergency occur. Using this district plan as a resource each school will identify all students with life threatening allergies and develop and implement an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) and Emergency Care Plan (ECP) for these students. These plans will be implemented for all life-threatening allergies.

Strategies for early identification of students with life-threatening allergies may include kindergarten registration, new student health history form, mandated school physicals, emergency medical authorization form, school newsletter, web site and communication with families.

The basis of the following Food Allergy Management/Glycogen Storage Disease Plan is to assist an identified allergic student in avoiding exposure to allergens and increase awareness and planning of students with GSD. It is recognized, however, that the school district cannotguarantee the elimination of allergens from the school environment.

While this plan focuses on life-threatening food allergies, treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis will be managed whether caused by food, insect sting, latex, exercise induced or unknown or other allergen.

Overview

In severe allergic cases, consuming a food, being stung by an insect or exposed to the allergen to which one is allergic can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis - a systemic allergic reaction that can be severe and sometimes fatal. The first signs of anaphylaxis may be a feeling of warmth, flushing, tingling in the mouth or a red, itchy rash. Other symptoms may include feelings of light-headedness, shortness of breath, severe sneezing, anxiety, stomach or uterine cramps, and/or vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience a drop in blood pressure that results in a loss of consciousness and shock. Without immediate treatment, anaphylaxis may cause death.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis are reversed by treatment with injectable epinephrine, antihistamines, and other emergency measures. It is essential that anyone with symptoms suggesting possible anaphylaxis get emergency treatment immediately.Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may involve the entire body. It can result in trouble breathing, loss of consciousness and even death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Call 911 if epinephrine (EpiPen) is administered or an emergency situation exists.

Prevention is essential in managing life-threatening allergies, but be prepared for emergencies. Anaphylactic reactions caused by food allergies can be potentially life-threatening. Those who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction to a food must strictly avoid that food. They may need to carry and know how to use (age appropriate) injectable epinephrine and antihistamines to treat reactions due to accidental ingestion.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a "systemic reaction," which means that various parts of the body are affected Symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from mild to severe and are potentially deadly. Here is a list of possible symptoms that mayoccur alone or in any combination:

Skin: hives, swelling, itch, warmth, redness, rash
Breathing: wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain/tightness, nasal congestion/hay fever-like symptoms, trouble swallowing
Stomach: nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy mouth/throat
Circulation: pale/blue color, poor pulse, passing-out, dizzy/lightheaded, low blood pressure, shock
Other: anxiety, feeling of "impending doom," itchy/watery eyes, itchy/red eyes

Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure, but may be delayed. Sometimes symptoms resolve, only to recur or progress a few hours later. The most dangerous symptoms are low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, shock and loss of consciousness, all of which can be fatal.

Substances That Trigger Reactions

Foods: Essentially any food can trigger an allergic reaction, but some of the most common ones that cause severe anaphylaxis are: peanuts, nuts from trees (e.g., walnut, cashew, Brazil nut), shellfish, fish, milk, soy, wheat and eggs. Food additives such as sulfites can also sometimes trigger anaphylactic reactions.
Stinging insects: The venom of stinging insects such as yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants cause discomfort for most people who are stung. However, reactions can be severe and even deadly for people with allergies to these venoms.
Medications: Virtually any medication can trigger an allergic reaction. Common categories of drugs that cause anaphylaxis are antibiotics and anti-seizure medicines.

Latex: Some products made from natural latex (from the rubber tree) contain allergens that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Exercise: Although rare, exercise can also trigger anaphylaxis. Oddly enough, it does not occur after every exercise session and in some cases, only occurs after eating certain foods before exercise.
Other: Anaphylaxis has rarely been associated with exposure to seminal fluid, hormones and exposure to extreme temperatures. When no cause is found and the reaction is definitely anaphylaxis, it is termed idiopathic anaphylaxis.If a student begins experiencing severe allergy symptoms, immediately implement the student’s Emergency Care Plan. The sooner the reaction is treated, the less severe it is likely to become.

Glycogen storage disease (GSD)

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is an inherited disorder in which an abnormal amount or type of glycogen is stored in the liver. This abnormal storage results from the liver's inability to adequately regulate the metabolism of glycogen and glucose. “Glycogen storage disease occurs when an enzyme (proteins produced by the body) that regulates conversion of sugar (glucose) into its storage form (glycogen) or release of glucose from glycogen is missing” (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center [CCHMC], 2012).

“Many sugars (including glucose) are present in foods and are used by the body as a source of energy. After a meal, blood glucose levels rise. The body stores the extra glucose that is not needed right away as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Later, as the blood glucose levels in the body begin to decrease, the body uses this stored energy. These sugars, stored in the form of glycogen, need to be processed by enzymes in the body before they can carry out their functions. If the enzymes needed to process them are missing, the glycogen or one of its related starches can accumulate, causing problems” (CCHMC, 2012).

“There are at least 10 different types of GSDs, which are put into groups based on the enzyme that is missing. Approximately one in about 20,000 people are affected by glycogen storage diseases. The most common forms of GSD are types I, III and IV.

The main types of glycogen storage diseases are categorized by number and name. They include:

  • Type I (Von Gierke disease) – this is the most common type of glycogen storage disease, and accounts for 90% of all glycogen storage disease cases GSD I (von Gierke disease) results from a deficiency of the enzyme Glucose-6-Phosphatase (CCHMC, 2012). It is the most common type of GSD and the effects are apparent very early in childhood. GSD I accounts for approximately 25 percent of all GSD cases” (American Liver Foundation, 2011).
  • Type II (Pompe's disease, acid maltase deficiency)
  • Type III (Cori's disease) In GSD III (Cori disease) an enzyme called the debrancher is deficient, causing the body to form glycogen molecules that have an abnormal structure. This abnormal structure also prevents the glycogen from being broken down into glucose.
  • Type IV (Andersen's disease) In GSD IV (amylopectinosis) glycogen that accumulates in the tissues has very long outer branches. This is due to a genetic deficiency of the branching enzyme. This abnormal glycogen is thought to stimulate the immune system. The result is tremendous scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver as well as other organs, such as muscle and heart (CCHMC, 2012).
  • Type V (McArdle's disease)
  • Type VI (Hers' disease)
  • Type VII (Tarui's disease)
  • Type VIII

Causes of Glycogen Storage Disease

Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD) occurs when there is an absence or deficiency of one of the enzymes responsible for making or breaking down glycogen in the body. This is known as an enzyme deficiency (Association for Glycogen Storage Disease, 2012).

Symptoms of Glycogen Storage Disease

“Symptoms of GSD vary based on the enzyme that is missing. They usually result from the buildup of glycogen or from an inability to produce glucose when needed. Because GSD occurs mainly in muscles and the liver, those areas show the most obvious symptoms. Symptoms of GSD may include:

  • growth failure
  • muscle cramps
  • low blood sugar
  • enlarged liver
  • swollen belly
  • abnormal blood test

Treatment of Glycogen Storage Disease

Treatment of GSD depends on the type of GSD. Some GSD types cannot be treated; others can be treated by controlling the presenting symptoms. For the types of GSD that can be treated, patients must carefully follow a special diet.

  • Frequent high carbohydrate meals during the day. For some children, eating several small meals rich in sugars and starches every day helps prevent blood sugar levels from dropping.
  • Cornstarch. For some young children over the age of 2, giving uncooked cornstarch every four to six hours – including during overnight hours – can also relieve the problem.
  • Continuous tube feeding. In order to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels, gastrointestinal tube feedings with solutions containing high concentration of glucose may need to be administered. Younger children may have to use this treatment method during the night until they get older. In the daytime the feeding tube is sometimes removed, but the patient must eat foods rich in sugars and starches about every three hours. This treatment can be successful in reversing most symptoms.
  • Drug treatment. GSD tends to cause uric acid (a waste product) to accumulate, which can cause gout (painful inflammation of the joints) and kidney stones.
  • Medication is often necessary (CCHMC, 2012).

With regard to glycogen storage disease: The school nurse shall develop an individualized health care plan and glycogen storage disease action plan for the student with glycogen storage disease. The plan will provide for food or dietary supplements to be administered by the school nurse or her/his designee; and shall not prohibit a parent/guardian or a person designated by the parent/guardian from providing food or dietary supplements on school grounds during the school day.

Overview information adapted from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Guidelines for Managing Life-ThreateningAllergies in Connecticut Schools 2012, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAA), and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).

Allergy Information for Parents/Legal Guardians

The basis of the Food Allergy Management Planis to assist an identified allergic student in avoiding exposure to allergens. It is recognized, however, that the school district cannot guarantee the elimination of allergens from the school environment.

Notify the school of your child’s allergies and the history of presenting symptoms. Schedule your appointmentsas needed with the school team including the nurse, principal, teacher, cafeteria manager, and other appropriate school personnel.

Work with the school team to develop a plan that accommodates your child’s needs throughout the school including in the classroom, in the cafeteria, during school-sponsored activities, and on the school bus.

Provide the school nurse with written permission to communicate with your child’s health care provider by completing an Authorization for Release of Information form.

A written Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) and Emergency Care Plan (ECP) will be established by the school nurse in conjunction with the parent/legal guardian, student, the student’s health care provider who has documented the allergy, and school personnel, to be followed in the event that an allergic student ingests or believes he/she has ingested an offending food or has come in contact with the offending allergen.

Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and medication as directed by the physician who has documented the allergy or food allergy, using the Food Allergy Action Plan as a guide. Update as necessary. Include a photo of the child on written form. Return all forms in a timely manner.

Provide the necessary, properly labeled medications and replace medications after use or upon expiration. If required, the EpiPen® is the preferred brand of auto-injector for school use.

Families should also work directly with any before and after-care programs, before and after school programs, bus drivers or coaches as well. Provide an EpiPen specifically for before and after school programs as appropriate.

Continue to provide annual medical documentation and medication consistently as your child moves to different schools and grade levels. Provide medical documentation from the health care provider who has documented the allergy/food allergy, for all changes in child’s allergy or associated health condition.

Educate your child in the self-management of their food allergy including:

  • safe and unsafe foods
  • strategies for avoiding exposure of unsafe foods including not sharing foods with classmates
  • symptoms of allergic reactions
  • how and when to tell an adult they may be having an allergy-related problem
  • how to read food labels (age appropriate)

If your child is participating in the hot lunch program, read the ingredient labels weekly to determine which foods are "safe." No peanut butter, peanut or nut products will be served or sold by food services at elementary or middle schools.

Southington High School serves peanut butter and nut products with a sign identifying them in the product line and on the menu.

Contact the cafeteria manager or Food Service Director with questions and to review nutrient lists.

Provide emergency contact information. Update information as changes occur.

Consider volunteering as a chaperone on your child’s field trips.

You may provide a non-perishable lunch to be kept at school in case your child forgets to bring lunch one day.

Particularly at the elementary school level, you are encouraged to keep a supply of “safe” snacks -yogurt, popcorn or other appropriate snack in the classroom or school freezer to use as needed.

Some parents request that a letter be sent home to the other classroom parents asking that no peanuts or peanut products be sent in for snacks. Although this may add a level of safety, it does notensure that any food brought in is safe for your child. We strongly advise that you provide ALL snacks and treats for your child.

You may wish to request a “peanut free” (or other food allergen free) table during lunch.

School nurses or other school personnel will not attempt to determine whether foods brought to school are safe for an allergic child to consume. If the situation warrants, a call will be made to the student’s parent or legal guardian to make the determination.

Students may self-administer inhalers for asthma and cartridge injectors for medically-diagnosed allergies with only the written authorization of an authorized prescriber and written authorization from a student’s parent or guardian or eligible student (Section 10-212a-4 of the Regulations of the Connecticut State Agencies). This medication authorization form is available from the School Nurse. Appropriate medication authorization form needs to be completed and submitted to the School Nurse annually.

You may wish to keep an extra EpiPen in the Health Office in case your child forgets his/her prescribed EpiPen.

Review procedures with the school staff, the child’s physician, and the child after a reaction has occurred.

You may wish to contact or join the Food Allergy Association of CT at

or The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network at

Contact your school nurse with any concerns you may have regarding your child’s health.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this material. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.