This article is the first of a two-part series on allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis, which includes seasonal allergies, has been considered by physicians, parents, and the general public as a mild, transitory nuisance for children and adults that is easily remedied with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Recent research, however,…

Eighty-four percent of children with food allergies have a reaction in school, and 25% of first food reactions occur in schools. An evaluation was conducted comparing food allergy emergency plans to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network's (FAAN) Food Allergy Action Plan. Of the 94 respondents, 60 provided food allergy emergency plans for…

In this problem-based learning activity designed for nonscience majors, students assume the roles of scientists working for a public relations firm. Teams of students design communication products illustrating links between climate change and pollen allergies. Students develop a variety of process skills critical to scientists, including working…

Previous studies have shown that those with severe food allergies have significant gaps in knowledge about their disease and how to prevent recurrences. The purpose of this study was to address these deficiencies by creating and testing an educational packet, "Coping with Food Allergies." Participants included 46 of 58 adults with documented…

The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of house dust mite (HDM) allergens within homes of three-year-old children, to identify factors responsible for its variation and to test the hypothesis whether the content of HDM allergens exceeding 2 [mu]g/g dust may be regarded as a risk level of sensitization possibly affecting respiratory…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of parents of pre-K to grade four children who had food allergies. Also examined were the management strategies put in place by the participants to assist the children deal with their unique situations. An in-depth interview was conducted with ten parents whose children had food…

The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health policies and practices at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. This brief contains information on asthma relative to health education, physical education and activity, and health services. Included is data on the…

Children can suffer from allergies that can markedly affect their behavior and school performance. Once an allergy is suspected, teachers and principals can consider allergens inside the school, outside the school, and related to problem foods or chemicals. A sidebar lists some allergy clues to watch for. Includes nine references. (MLH)

Describes what principals should know about recent research findings on food allergies (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat) that can produce severe or life-threatening reactions in children. Asserts that every school should have trained staff and written procedures for reacting quickly to allergic reactions. (PKP)

The purpose of this study is to describe the parental burden in families with a food-allergic child under the age of four. This study was carried out using a descriptive correlational research design. The subjects of this study were 104 families with a young food-allergic child who observed a restricted diet. The majority of the children were…

A pediatric allergist reviews his clinical observations on the relationship between delayed food allergy onset and a variety of systemic and nervous system symptoms. (CL)

The article describes three major types of diet-related conditions which lead to behavior disorders in school-age children--hypoglycemia, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, and allergies to food and food additives--and discusses diet control in the management of such conditions. (DLS)

The most widely used "alternative" biomedical treatments for autism are reviewed, including: nutritional supplements, especially megadose vitamin B6 and magnesium; treatment of food allergies and intolerances; treatment of microbial infections; and treatment of immune system dysfunction. The Defeat Autism Now! project is briefly…

Presents research evidence in support of the contention that carpet holds and traps allergens in the fiber, effectively keeping them out of the breathing zone until they can be removed with an environmentally friendly vacuum. Emphasizes that schools are no less healthy if they have carpet. (SLD)

During the past decade, prevalence of food allergies among children increased. Caring for children with life-threatening food allergies has become a major challenge for school personnel Prior to 2002, Massachusetts did not provide clear guidelines to assist schools in providing a safe environment for these children and preparing for an emergency…