ROGERS (KFSM)- Food allergies can make going to school difficult for kids and their families, which is why health professionals said parents should create a team between the school nurse, doctor and their family.
Christine Bryant, nurse practitioner with Mercy Hospital, said to give the school a list of allergies and reactions the child might have as well as any medications they need.
She said food allergies can be mild to life threatening.
"It depends on the severity of your child's food allergy," Bryant said. "Some children have mild allergies, for instance, lactose intolerant. If they end up drinking milk or drinking something with lactose, they can get an upset stomach or diarrhea."
"There are some that are life-threatening such as peanut allergy where they would experience difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and a prophylactic reaction where they would need an EpiPen," Bryant said.
Bryant also said, even if your child is in elementary school, it's important to let them know what kinds foods to stay away from.
She said communication can make the difference between life and death.