It’s that time of year again- back-to-school season is upon us and with that comes both excitement and new routines. If your child has allergies or asthma, there are a few extra steps to take before the first day of school to prevent flare-ups, reduce anxiety, and start off the new school year with confidence.
Use this checklist to help make sure your child with asthma or allergies is set up to have a happy, healthy, and safe school year!
Schedule Your Allergy & Asthma Follow-Up Appointment
Before school starts, schedule a visit with your allergist to get ready for the new school year.
This visit gives you the opportunity to:
- Review current symptoms
- Discuss current treatment plan and ensure that it is still working
- Update medications and refill prescriptions
- Complete any school medication authorization forms
- Update your child’s action plan or emergency plan
Even children who typically have well-controlled symptoms should meet with their allergy and asthma provider every year to make sure that their treatment plan is up to date and appropriate for their needs.
Check Medications and Expiration Dates
Take an inventory of all allergy and asthma medications before school begins.
Make sure you have:
- Rescue and maintenance inhalers
- Epinephrine emergency devices (i.e., autoinjectors, nasal spray), if needed
- Antihistamines
- Nasal sprays
- Spacer devices, if used
- Nebulizer supplies, if used
Check expiration dates and request refills in advance so that everything is ready before the first week of school. Review your school’s policies for self-carrying medication and make sure that all required paperwork is filled out.
Update your Child’s Action Plan
A written action plan for your child with allergies or asthma gives teachers, school nurses, coaches, and other caregivers clear instructions on how to treat your child, should symptoms occur while in their care.
Your child’s plan should include:
- Common triggers (including type of food, if food allergic)
- Daily medications
- Early warning signs
- Emergency medications and when to administer them
- When to call parents or emergency medical services
Providing school personnel with an updated copy each school year helps everyone stay up to date so that they can respond quickly and appropriately if a problem arises.
Communicate with School Staff
Open and clear communication with staff is one of the best ways to keep your child safe while at school.
Consider speaking with:
- The school nurse
- Classroom teacher(s)
- Physical education teacher
- Coaches and athletic trainers
- Before- and after-school program staff
Discuss your child’s specific triggers, what symptoms require treatment, and where medications are stored. Have copies of your child’s action plan so that everyone is on the same page.
If your child has food allergies, ask about classroom policies regarding celebrations and snacks so you can plan ahead.
If your child has asthma, make sure PE teachers, coaches, and playground monitors are familiar with the signs of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Help Your Child Build Independence
Age-appropriate education should grow with your child as they learn how to manage their allergies or asthma.
These skills may include:
- Recognizing early symptoms
- Knowing when to ask for help
- Avoiding known allergy triggers and allergic foods
- Reading food labels, if applicable
- Using inhalers correctly
- Knowing their medication dosages
- Understanding when and how to use an epinephrine emergency device (if applicable)
Educating and practicing at home prior to the start of the school year can help your child be more confident while at school.
Don’t Forget Allergy Shots
If your child is currently receiving allergy immunotherapy (commonly known as allergy shots), review your schedule prior to the start of the school year. Adjustments may be necessary to maintain your treatment schedule while working around the school schedule and extracurricular activities.
Watch for New Triggers
A new classroom can be host to new triggers for your child’s asthma or allergies, including:
- Dust
- Mold
- Classroom pets
- Strong fragrances
- Cleaning products
- Outdoor allergens during recess, PE, or sports
If you notice worsening symptoms after school starts, let your child’s allergist know. We can adjust the treatment plan to help your child manage their symptoms more effectively.
If your child has seasonal allergies, check local pollen counts (www.pollen.com) during peak allergy seasons. This can help you and your child anticipate symptoms and ensure proper treatment to prevent flare-ups.
Managing allergies and asthma is a team effort. At North Texas Allergy & Asthma Center, our board-certified allergists are here to help you start the school year off right!
A little preparation before the first day of school can help reduce sick days, avoid unnecessary emergencies, and give you and your child confidence. Schedule your back-to-school appointment today so your child can enjoy a healthy, safe, and successful school year.
