Preparing for School with Allergies and Asthma

Beginning a new school year is always an exciting time for children and parents. It is also an important time to remember that children with allergies and asthma face challenges in the classroom. These challenges can range from discomfort that makes it hard to concentrate on school work, to symptoms that reduce their ability to participate in recess or physical education class, to life-threatening reactions to food or insect stings.

Before school begins
It is important that children and their families work together with teachers, coaches and school nurses to avoid asthma and allergy triggers and to deal with symptoms. Use this helpful checklist to find out what can be done before the school year starts to reduce potential allergens that may affect your child.

	Schedule a meeting with teachers, coaches and the school nurse to discuss your child's condition.
	Make sure a "School Management Plan" is on file for your child at school.
	Work together with your child's allergist/immunologist to ensure that their medications are helping.
	Talk to your child and review what triggers allergy or asthma symptoms. Encourage them to ask their teacher for help when symptoms worsen.
	With your child's allergist/immunologist, complete a "Food Allergy Action Plan" if your child has a food allergy.
	Inform school cafeteria staff and teachers of what foods to avoid and suggest safe alternatives. If possible, have your child bring a bag lunch to school, and remind them not to share food with their friends.
	Inform physical education teachers and coaches about asthma and warning signs of an asthma attack.
	Encourage your child's physician to be an informational resource for the school.
	Make sure your child has his or her medications and peak flow meter with them at school.

In the classroom
Teach your child about allergies in the classroom. Common allergens in the classroom that can trigger an allergic or asthmatic reaction in children are:

• Dust Mites - microscopic creatures that thrive in high humidity and in areas where there is dust. The droppings of these mites are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms. Check if your child's school is air conditioned, this may help reduce dust mites.
• Chalk Dust - an irritant that can trigger an asthma attack. Students with allergies or asthma should try to stay away from the chalk board and erasers, and wash hands after writing on the board.
• Animal Dander - proteins found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of furry animals can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy, runny nose and itchy, swollen eyes. Itchy skin or raised, red rash called hives can also come from touching animals, so children should try to avoid contact, if they are allergic. Make sure the teacher knows that your child has an allergy to animal dander.
• Mold - found in dark, warm, humid places. Mold spores can trigger an allergy or asthma attack. Fortunately, indoor molds and mildew can be easily eliminated with a detergent cleaning solution once discovered. Make sure your child's school repairs and seals any leaking roofs or pipes.

In the cafeteria
Lunch is a time to take a break from the school books and a time to socialize with new friends, but precautions must be taken to ensure your child's safety when it comes to allergies.

• Food allergies - have your child bring their own food to school and remind them not to share or trade food with others. Also, your child, the nurse or teacher should have injectable epinephrine and know how to use it.

Recess/Gym class
Going back to school for the year also means recess, physical education and sports. These fun activities can take a turn for the worse if the following triggers aren't avoided.

• Pollen - microscopic, powdery granules necessary for plant fertilization. The average pollen particle is less than the width of an average human hair. With the start of ragweed season just around the corner, it is important to remember to take your medications 30 minutes before going outside. Also, ask the teacher to close the windows in the classroom to keep the pollen from blowing into the classroom.
• Stinging Insects - severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include itching and hives over large areas of the body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps nausea or diarrhea. Carry injectable epinephrine with you to help control allergic symptoms. Go to Tips to Remember: Stinging Insect Allergy for more information.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) - for children with asthma it is common to experience symptoms after about six to eight minutes of physical activity. People with EIA experience coughing, wheezing, tight chest, prolonged and unexpected shortness of breath.
  
  As many as one out of every 10 young athletes has asthma. It should not stop them from enjoying exercise or even high level of competition, but athletes of all levels need to remember to take proper precautions if they have EIA.
  
  Patients with EIA have airways that are overly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air. During strenuous activity, people tend to breathe through their mouths, allowing the cold, dry air to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effect of the nose.

Many school children and young adults suffer from food allergies, asthma and allergic rhinitis. But if the appropriate measures are taken, they may not be endangered or slowed down by these diseases. It is important to have good communication with your child and school personnel about the allergies and asthma.

For more detailed information and tips, visit www.aaaai.org