Back-to-School Guide for Managing Allergy and Asthma Symptoms

With summer break coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about returning to school. For kids with allergies and asthma, going back to school requires a little extra planning to make sure they have a safe and successful year. Aside from stocking up on school materials, brushing up on ways to manage your child’s allergy and asthma symptoms will help them have a safe and healthy school year.

4 Tips for Managing Food Allergies at School

If your child has food allergies, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety at school. Food allergies may range from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, following these tips is vital for your child’s safety and well-being.

1. Inform Your Child’s School About Their Allergy

This is probably the most crucial step in managing your child’s food allergy at school. The school should be aware of your child’s allergy and have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Be sure to provide the school with a list of your child’s allergies and any medications they need to take.

You may also want to consider meeting with your child’s teacher and school nurse to discuss your child’s allergy in further detail. This way, everyone is aware and can be more cautious around your child.

2. Have an Allergy Action Plan

In the event of a severe allergic reaction, it is essential to have an allergy action plan in place. You should provide this plan to the school and include information such as your child’s allergy triggers, emergency contact information, and a list of medications. The allergy action plan will help the school know what to do in an emergency. However, if you do not have an allergy action plan in place, it is imperative that you create one. Northeast Allergy, Asthma & Immunology can help you create a personalized allergy action plan for your child.

3. Have Allergy Medications on Hand

An allergic reaction may happen at any time, so it is vital to have allergy medications on hand. Allergy medications should be kept in the school nurse’s office and with your child’s teacher. Be sure that the school nurse and your child know how to use the medication. The allergy action plan should outline in detail how to administer the medication.

4. Teach Your Child How to Advocate for Themselves

If your child has food allergies, it is important to teach them how to advocate for themselves. This means teaching them to identify foods that may contain their allergen and politely declining foods from classmates. It is also important to teach them who they can go to for help at school. Allowing your child to take control of their food allergy may help them feel empowered and have a successful school year.

4 Tips for Keeping Asthma Under Control at School

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects roughly 25 million Americans. Asthma symptoms may make breathing difficult and can often interfere with daily activities. For children with asthma, going back to school may be especially challenging. However, following these tips will help your child keep their asthma under control so they can focus on learning at school.

1. Ensure Your Child Has an Asthma Action Plan

Like with food allergies, it is essential to inform the school about your child’s asthma. The school should have a copy of your child’s asthma action plan, which should include information such as your child’s asthma triggers, emergency contact information, and a list of medications. Be sure to meet with the teacher and school nurse to discuss your child’s asthma in further detail. Furthermore, updating your child’s asthma action plan every year is needed to ensure it is still accurate.

2. Take Precautions When Participating in Sports

Whether your child is taking a physical education class or wants to try out for a sports team, they need to take precautions to avoid an asthma flare-up. Talk to your child’s coach about their asthma and create a plan on how to best prevent triggers during practices and games. It is also imperative that your child has their rescue inhaler with them at all times in case they start to experience symptoms.

3. Help Your Child Understand Their Asthma Triggers

The best way to avoid an asthma attack is to avoid triggers altogether. However, this may be difficult to do if your child does not know what their triggers are. Help your child understand their asthma by keeping a journal of when they experience symptoms. This way, you can begin to identify patterns and triggers. Once you have identified the triggers, your child can take steps to avoid them. Moreover, your child’s teachers and coaches should be aware of the triggers so they can help your child avoid asthma symptoms.

4. Keep Asthma Medications Handy

One of the best ways to prevent an allergy and asthma attack is to have medication on hand at all times. Keeping a supply of asthma medication at school is critical in case your child has an asthma attack. Asthma medications should be kept in the school nurse’s office or with a teacher. Checking in with the school nurse regularly to ensure that the medication is up-to-date and not expired is also necessary.

Treat Your Child’s Allergy and Asthma Symptoms at Northeast Allergy

With the school year now in full swing, Northeast Allergy is here to help. Our allergists will work with you and your child to develop a treatment plan that fits their needs. Through our wide array of treatments, your child may have a successful and symptom-free school year. Schedule an appointment today and keep your child’s allergy and asthma symptoms under control.