Back-to-school essentials include allergy precautions

Each year, Katie White makes a list of what her daughter, Maggie Beth, 8, will need when school begins.

Book bag. Check.

Binders. Check.

Markers. Check.

Her list also includes making sure her daughter’s allergy and asthma medications are working, within the expiration date and that school officials are aware of her medical needs.

As students head back to school across metro Atlanta, parents like White are making sure that there is an allergy or asthma plan in place should the need arise.

Her daughter has asthma and a severe tree nut allergy. For instance, she must avoid cashews, almonds and pecans. When Maggie Beth was about 18 months old, she ate a cookie and within 10 minutes, “we realized she was swelling and drooling,” said White, of Marietta.

It resulted in an ambulance ride.

Now, as her daughter returns to the classroom at A.L. Burruss Elementary School, White makes sure she carries an EpiPen and that an EpiPen, inhaler and Benadryl are also available at her school.

“For me, every year it’s just making sure her team is on the same page,” White said. “It reminds her teachers that this is not just about the cafeteria but there are other times when there is food around the kids at school. When they’re away from you eight hours a day, it’s better to have a plan in place so you know everything is covered.”

Dr. Stanley M. Fineman, an allergy specialist, says the start of the school year is a good time to step back and look at a child’s allergy treatment program.

“Let’s make sure we have all our ducks in a row,” he said.

Here are some tips from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma:

• Make sure your food allergy action plan is in place and that your child's physician signs all the necessary school forms. Each school system requires different forms, so call or check their website.

• Check the expiration date on your injectable epinephrine (EpiPen, Auvi-Q) and refill prescriptions if necessary.

• You may want to meet with the school nurse and teachers to make sure they are aware of your child's food allergy and are clear on the recommended procedure in the event of an accidental exposure. Communicate clearly that when in doubt — always administer epi. Administering epinephrine will not cause any serious symptoms — however, delaying use can have fatal consequences.

• When your children are young, let the other parents in the class know about the allergy. You may want to suggest food allergy-friendly snacks or recipes for class parties.