Allergy and asthma symptoms sparked by triggers in the classroom can interfere with participation in sports, school trips, physical education and play activities. Asthma and allergies can also interfere with a child's energy level, concentration, attention, peer relations, physical activities and cognitive functioning. Students with asthma frequently have a sudden onset of symptoms from a variety of causes. In most cases, these asthma episodes can be prevented or treated by inhaled medications. For students to be able to function normally at school, it is critical that prescribed medications be available to them at all times during the school day.
Food allergies are also a concern for children at school.
The most common symptom of an allergic reaction to food is hives. Food allergic individuals can also experience asthma-like symptoms, eczema and other gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. The most severe reaction to food is anaphylaxis, a systematic reaction that can sometimes be fatal. Some of the most common foods that can trigger an allergic reaction are milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. Strict avoidance of the foods to which a child is sensitive is the only proven therapy for food allergy, but it is difficult to acheive complete avoidance of all allergenic foods.