Back to School Tips for Kids With Asthma and Allergies

During the summer, many children with asthma and allergies experience relief from their symptoms, largely because they are exposed to fewer triggers while at home. But as the school year approaches, it's important to prepare for the return of potential allergens and asthma triggers. At One World Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive care to manage asthma and allergies, helping your child stay healthy throughout the school year.

Prepare in Advance

Effective management of your child’s allergies and asthma requires planning. Establish a routine for taking prescribed medications consistently throughout the year. Additionally, consider visiting your child's school and classroom before the school year starts to identify any potential triggers that could worsen their symptoms.

Some common triggers in the classroom include:

• Dust mites, mold, and animal dander
• Seasonal allergens like ragweed
• Chalk dust
• Strong odors
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new materials like carpeting

It’s also a good idea to provide your child’s teacher and school nurse with a detailed list of your child's symptoms, triggers, medications, and dosages. Ensure they have your contact information in case of emergencies.

Identify Allergy Triggers

Identifying what triggers your child’s asthma and allergies is key to managing their symptoms effectively. Our team offers thorough allergy testing through skin and blood tests, which can identify sensitivities to a variety of allergens, such as:

• Airborne irritants like pet dander, pollen, and mold
• Foods such as peanuts, soy, fish, and eggs
• Insect venoms like bee stings

Once we know what triggers your child’s symptoms, we can create a personalized strategy to prevent and manage them. It’s also important to educate your child about their condition so they can actively participate in managing it.

Be Ready for Physical Activity

Although it might seem easier to limit your child's physical activities, especially if they have asthma or allergies, they can still safely participate in exercise and sports with proper management.

Before your child begins any physical activity, talk with their teachers and coaches to ensure they know how to respond in case of an asthma-related incident. Additionally, teach your child how to manage their symptoms, avoid triggers, and seek help if needed.

Some tips to help prevent symptoms during physical activity include:

• Using short-acting inhalers before exercise
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding exercises that typically trigger symptoms

If your child continues to experience asthma symptoms, we can work with you to adjust their care plan for better symptom control.

For more back-to-school tips on managing asthma and allergies, schedule an appointment with One World Pediatrics online or by phone today.