Ohio school nurses concerned about rise in allergies among U.S. students

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Members of the Ohio Association said they are concerned about Ohio schools having adequate numbers of staff and supplies to protect the rising numbers of students who have severe allergies.

"It could happen any day for me. A child could have a reaction," said Kate King, a school nurse in Columbus, Ohio.  

"I've had several students who have had allergic reactions. Luckily, for me, they've been mild," said King, who is also the president of the Ohio Association of School Nurses.

King said members of the OASN are concerned Ohio schools do not have an adequate number of staff or supplies to treat the rising number of students who have severe allergies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies have increased among children in the U.S. The CDC found the number of children with food allergies went up 18 percent between 1997 and 2007.

A 2010 study published in 'The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology' found peanut allergies in children tripled between 1997 and 2008.

Allergies are also the most frequently reported chronic condition in children, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies limit activities for more than 40 percent of children.

Food allergies cause 200 deaths each year according to the AAFA. Insect allergies cause 100 deaths each year.

The OASN said putting EpiPens, which contain a single dose of the drug epinephrine, in Ohio schools would protects students who have serious allergies. For more information about efforts to put the auto-injectors in Ohio schools, check out Sarah Buduson's investigation here: http://on.wews.com/LghZOQ