6 Best Back-to-School Allergy Tips: It’s that time of year again, children are returning to school once more, and most parents are focused on getting their kids prepared for the new school year. For children with allergies or asthma, it’s also important for parents to make sure their children have visited their local allergists and are prepared with some back-to-school allergy tips.
Allergy & Asthma Medications
One of the best back-to-school allergy tips is to ensure children with allergies or asthma have their medications refilled and are up to date with any new medications they may be taking. Work with your local allergist to make sure the medication is working for your child’s individual needs.
Have Children Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet
For children with severe allergies or asthma, it may also be a good idea to have them wear a medical alert bracelet to be displayed so school staff are aware. In the event of an emergency, these bracelets can also be lifesaving to EMTs who are responding to a severe situation. These bracelets are also made in more fashionable styles for children.
School Communication
Reach out to your child’s school and inform the school nurse about their allergies or asthma, and share your emergency action plan. If your child uses an epinephrine autoinjector, let the school nurse and teacher know about this medication and any other medications they may be taking. It is also a good idea to share any photos of what an allergy or asthma-related attack looks like and any symptoms to look out for if they are not familiar with them.
For children with food allergies, let the school lunch staff know about any foods not to give your child. Many schools have computer systems that track lunch purchases and can add alerts about any food sensitivities. Another one of our back to school allergy tips is to give your child’s teacher a list of foods to keep on hand that can cause a reaction for your child.
Safe Foods and Back-To-School Allergy Tips
A great back-to-school allergy tip is to prepare a ‘safe treats’ box for your child’s teacher. In class, treats are often given out as rewards, and children with allergies can feel left out. By providing a safe food box to your child’s teacher, you can ensure they feel able to participate and be included while also preventing a potential allergy or asthma flare-up.
Talk with Children About Their Allergies and asthma
If a child is old enough to begin managing their allergies or asthma, it’s important for parents to work with their children on their allergies or asthma and how they can help manage it. If your child uses an epinephrine autoinjector, ensure they know how to use the medication and who to go to in the event of an allergy or asthma flare-up.
With these back-to-school allergy tips in mind, you can make sure your child has a safe and enjoyable school year!
Allergy & Asthma Testing
The most important back-to-school allergy tip is to have allergy or asthma testing done at the beginning of the school year. You won’t know how to combat your child’s allergies or asthma unless their triggers are pinpointed with testing, so it is important to work with your local allergist to determine what those are.
McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic offers a variety of allergy testing, including skin testing, blood tests, patch testing for contact dermatitis, and pulmonary testing. Their team of board-certified allergists will work with you and your child to create an allergy and asthma treatment plan so they are prepared for the new school year.
Contact the experienced healthcare team at McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic for an appointment today! Call 713-661-1444 or click the link to request an appointment on our website. https://mcgovernallergy.com/request-an-appointment-online/