Member of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association. Melike Ocak listed the precautions that can be taken in schools for children with food allergies, stating that the child should be made aware of their allergies first.
Stating that the child should be made aware of allergies, Dr. Melike Ocak said, “It is very important that you explain your child's illness in a simple language that they can understand, without frightening them, and that you raise awareness about their allergy. It will be important for you to wear a necklace or bracelet that indicates your allergy, in order to inform the people around you. Teach him to stay away from both the food he is allergic to and the products it contains, and to check the labels of all the foods he will consume beforehand. In addition, before accepting the food offered to him by his friends, inform him to learn thoroughly that the factor that causes allergies is not included in him. Even at the suggestion of their relatives, ensure that they do not consume any food that they do not know and do not trust. When allergic shock (anaphylaxis) develops, make them learn about it by turning their practice into a game with the adrenaline auto-injector demos they will apply.” said.
Stating that teachers and school management should be informed and cooperated, Dr. Melike Ocak, “The best way to manage food allergy in schools; parents and school staff working together as a team. Effective communication is essential to helping everyone understand food allergy and ensuring the child's safety. Make sure all teachers and cafeteria staff know your child and know the foods he or she is allergic to. Also, get the monthly meal menu and the foods it contains from the cafeteria staff and check them one by one with your child. Try to take part in collective events such as school trips and birthdays organized by the school. If you are unable to attend, have a trusted family member or friend attend the adrenaline auto-injector administration.” he said.
"Share the symptoms of allergic shock you received from your doctor and the first aid plan in writing with the school administration and the teacher," said Dr. Melike Ocak continued her words as follows:
“It is vital for the teacher to know what kind of symptoms the child will experience if the child accidentally consumes the food to which he is allergic, and to recognize the reaction early. Symptoms begin rapidly, usually within minutes of accidental ingestion of the food, and can lead to death if not treated appropriately. Typically these symptoms include; widespread itching, redness and swelling in the body, swelling of the lips, throat and tongue, multiple sneezing in a row, redness of the eyes, itching and tearing, nasal congestion / discharge, cough, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, low blood pressure, fainting. If any of these symptoms occur, get the first aid plan from your doctor and share it in writing with the school administration and the teacher.”
Stating that anaphylaxis, known as allergic shock, is the most serious form of allergic reactions that occur with more than one symptom, Dr. Melike Ocak said, “The most important step in the management of the aid plan is to recognize anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. After the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, the first treatment option is adrenaline. Your child and those in need need to know where adrenaline auto-injectors are located, who has access to them, and how they can be administered in an emergency. For this reason, it is very important for the teacher to determine in advance how to intervene and to receive training on the first aid plan beforehand. Having teachers who know the first aid plan will make families very comfortable.” used his statements.
It should be ensured that there is a written plan on what to do in case of allergic shock due to food allergy and that the application is made within the framework of this plan:
“If the child develops an allergic shock picture;
Immediately lay the child on his back and raise his feet,
Remove food residues in his mouth and allow him to breathe comfortably,
If the child carries with him ready-made adrenaline injections previously given by his doctor, apply it immediately from the anterior-side of the thigh. Then call 112 immediately.”
Say that there should be no contact with allergic foods in the school kitchen and that foods should be prepared in a separate area for allergic children. Precautions should be taken in the areas where food is prepared and served, and the plates, cutlery and knives used should be carefully washed and common cooking utensils should not be used. The labels of all the foods that children will consume at school should also be checked beforehand by the kitchen staff.” said.