Food Allergies
By Schmidt, Tammy
October 05, 2011
Food allergies have become a huge medical concern. A food allergy is an exaggerated immune response triggered by some specific food. Normally, the body’s immune system defends against potentially harmful substances. In a true food allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as harmful. The immune system triggers cells to release antibodies to fight the allergen culprit. The antibodies signal the immune system to release the chemical called histamine into your bloodstream. The histamine causes a range of allergic signs and symptoms: tingling in the mouth, rash, hives, itching, swelling of lips, face, tongue and throat, labored breathing, wheezing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constriction of airways, rapid pulse and even anaphylactic shock. Histamine is responsible for causing the allergic responses that the body experiences.
If your child has a food allergy, avoid exposure to the food altogether. Read food label contents and provide an alternative choice. Consult with your physician about sending medication to school to aid in an allergy attack. If your child has treats to share with their classmates, please check with the classroom teacher or me to avoid bringing a food item that might jeopardize the health of someone in the class. We will provide you with an alternative snack list or we will provide an alternative choice for the student with the allergy.
Thank you for being sensitive to the needs of the students at Minneapolis Grade School. We truly appreciate all your support for the health and wellness of our students.
