Yes the calendar still says July, but its not too early to start thinking about your back to school strategies for dealing with asthma and allergies. You and your doctor know what needs to be done to keep your child’s asthma and allergies under control, but do the people at school?
Your School Asthma and Allergy Team
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that you enlist the help of the following school personnel:
Teacher – Your child’s teacher should know your child’s triggers. So, make sure you tell them. Also, make sure that your child takes their medication BEFORE they leave for school. Don’t miss a dose. Also, don’t let allergy control measures at home be lost in the back to school craziness that happens the first few weeks of every school year.
Room Parent – If your elementary age child has food allergies, be sure to let the room parent know. This is especially important if the school allows treats to be brought in from outside.
School Nurse – Take time to discuss emergency procedures with the school’s nurse. Even if your child is returning to the same school, it doesn’t hurt to provide a quick refresher. Ever since 2010, all 50 states recognize a student’s right to carry and use emergency asthma and allergy medications such as rescue inhalers and Epi-pens. If your child has been prescribed emergency treatment medication make sure your child and school staff know how to properly use it.
PE Teacher/Sports Coach – Asthma and allergies doesn’t mean your child must sit on the sidelines. If your child’s doctor has given the go-ahead for participation in sports, then make sure that the PE Teacher or Coach knows what to do in case of an asthma-related event. Exercise-induced asthma events may signal that the asthma is not under control.
Boost the Immune System Before Back to School
It never hurts to start boosting the immune system before the back to school assault begins. Be skeptical of remedies and treatments off the shelf that promise to increase immunity. The tried and true methods are just common sense:
- Make sure adequate hydration is maintained – that means drink water
- Get plenty of rest – that means no more all night video game sessions
- Eat right – that means more frozen juice bars and fewer ice cream cones
- Play outside – just make sure to use sunscreen, then get some Vitamin D naturally
- Wash your hands – that doesn’t mean drown in hand sanitizer, it means use soap and water after playing outside and again before eating
Continue to avoid allergy and asthma triggers as much as possible in the lead up to school.
Back to School Physical
Don’t delay in scheduling your child’s back to school physical. This is a great time to discuss any changes in medication or treatment that may be necessary as your child grows.
Have Fun
Make the most of the remaining days of summer. Don’t let asthma 
and allergies hold your child back from swimming, playing, and enjoying childhood.
Til Next Time!
Cheryl