Emergency epinephrine use for food allergy reactions in Chicago Public Schools.

Background: Given the increase in childhood food allergy, national and local policies have been developed to encourage schools to stock undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors in case of an anaphylactic emergency.

Purpose: To describe the use of epinephrine auto-injectors in Chicago Public Schools during the 2012-2013 school year, specifically for food-induced allergic reactions.

Methods: District-issued epinephrine auto-injectors were distributed to all public and charter schools in Chicago prior to the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

Asthma and food allergy management in Chicago Public Schools.

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize asthma and food allergy reporting and management in Chicago Public Schools.

Methods: Demographic and health data for students who have asthma and food allergy were extracted from the Chicago Public Schools database. Demographic and geographic variability and the existence of school health management plans were analyzed, and multiple logistic regression models were computed.

The development and implementation of the Chicago public schools emergency EpiPen® policy.

Background: Food allergy affects 1 in 13 children, or 2 children per classroom. Food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can result in death. In fact, 25% of first-time anaphylactic reactions among children occur in school.