By: Michael Goodman, MD
Allergist/Immunologist
Why Back-to-School Season Can Increase Food Allergy Anxiety
Unfortunately, food allergies and anxiety often go hand in hand. Studies show that patients with food allergy do have higher rates of anxiety. Having some apprehension about eating certain things can be a normal part of living with food allergy. In some ways, it can even be helpful by making one more aware of what they eat and the risks it might entail. However, too much anxiety can be detrimental. After all, eating is a normal routine action that shouldn’t provoke an unhealthy level of anxiety. When anxiety takes over, it can even mimic an allergic reaction with symptoms like shortness of breath.
As children return to school, it’s worth reviewing a few tips that can make the transition back to school life easier for students and parents.
- Try to normalize being around the food allergen. The main type of food allergy exposures to worry about is ingestion. Less commonly, being around the food as it is being cooked or skin contact may cause reactions in certain situations. By learning that just the smell of a food, or being in the same room with the food, won’t cause a reaction, the level of anxiety when you come across the food can be lessened. In some cases, a therapist can help normalize this behavior.
- Sitting at an allergen-free table or going to an allergen-free school should not be a substitute for diligence in careful label reading and understanding what you are consuming. Make it part of your routine.
- Create a support group of friends and/or family that understands your food allergy, what needs to be avoided, and how reactions should be treated. No one is perfect 100% of the time. Accidents are a normal part of life, and food allergy. Having another set of eyes around will help you stay safe.
- Have a plan! Know the plan! Be comfortable with the plan!. Again, accidents are normal. Having a clear understanding of what steps to take when a reaction occurs and how to use rescue medications will lessen the anxiety if a reaction does occur. This includes being comfortable with how to use your epinephrine rescue device.
- Talk about your anxiety. You are not in this alone. Talk with parents, a counselor, an allergist, or other trusted individuals. No one can help you until they know your concern. There are also some great online resources available from organizations like FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education).
Anxiety with food allergy is normal, but don’t let anxiety about food allergies become your normal! With good planning, clear communication with the school, and support from your healthcare team, you can help ease that worry and keep your child safe and confident throughout the school year.
Ohio ENT & Allergy Specializes in Food Allergies
If you suspect your child has an undiagnosed food allergy, schedule an appointment at Ohio ENT & Allergy.