Back to School Tips for Kids with Allergies
School is right around the corner and we know you have plenty to do! Here are some back to school tips for allergies and asthma from North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center to help your child have a healthy start to the school year.
See your allergist
Schedule an appointment with our board-certified allergists to help you take control of your child’s allergies and asthma so they can live the life they want. If you are an established patient, it is best to update your allergist on your child’s current symptoms and review medications. Additionally, we can help fill out any required school forms to make the transition to school easy.
Review your Action Plan
Our board-certified allergists provide action plans based on your individual needs. Be sure to review your emergency action plan if you have food allergies so you are aware of the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and can help your child articulate to a teacher/staff member if he or she experiences an allergic reaction at school.
Communicate with the school
It’s a good idea to talk with the classroom staff, administrators and school nurse and ensure they are aware of your child’s allergies and treatment options. If your child has asthma, make sure an updated asthma action plan is provided to the school nurse. If your child has food allergies, put a workable plan in place for home-prepared lunches and substitute classroom snacks as
needed or speak with school lunch staff to see if a food allergy notification or alert can be included in your child’s profile. If your child’s teacher has not cared for kids with severe allergies, it could be helpful to share pictures of what a typical allergic reaction looks like. You can also speak with school administrators about your child’s seasonal allergies and making changes such as keeping windows closed on high pollen days.
Stock up on allergy medications
Check the expiration date on what you have at home and contact your allergist if you need a new prescription. If your child has allergy shot appointments, it would also be a good idea to adjust this schedule to make sure the time doesn’t interfere with school or extracurricular activities.
Teach your child age-appropriate skills
As your child grows, it is important to teach them age-appropriate skills to manage their asthma and allergies. Some of these skills may include:
- Carrying and using their own medicines (if allowed by the school)
- Recognizing symptoms of asthma or an allergic reaction
- Telling an adult when they are having symptoms
- Reading food labels if they have food allergies
- Reporting bullying or harassment
Schedule your appointment with our board certified allergists at North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center to ensure you and your child are ready to start the school year.
For more information:
https://acaai.org/news/back-to-school-how-parents-can-help-kids-with-allergies-and-asthma/
Gaytri Patel, MD
Board Certified Allergist
