Spain needs school protocols for food-induced anaphylaxis

In Spain, food allergies affect approximately 1 in 12 children under the age of 14, a figure that is currently increasing. The primary causes of anaphylaxis in children are contact with foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Despite the rising prevalence, most schools lack a defined procedure for responding to anaphylaxis due to the absence of a regulatory framework. Pharmaceutical expert Amapola Munuera emphasizes the urgent need for national legislation to implement homogeneous school protocols. These protocols should focus on training educational staff to identify symptoms and correctly administer intramuscular adrenaline, which is the preferred fast-acting medication for treating such reactions.

Rapid intervention is critical, as anaphylaxis can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest within minutes. Proper training in the use of adrenaline auto-injectors is essential to ensure caregivers can act without delay to minimize the risk of death.