Back to School Tips for Kids With Asthma and Allergies

If you have a child with allergies and asthma, you may notice their symptoms get better during the summer. That’s because kids are usually exposed to fewer triggers at home, which can make it easier to keep their symptoms under control. But, they can’t stay home forever, and that’s where our team at Advance Medical Group can help. 

We offer a variety of allergy and asthma treatments at each of our convenient locations in Hackensack, Paramus, and Haledon, New Jersey. When it’s time for your kids to head back to class, we recommend taking the following steps.

Prepare in advance

Don’t wait for your child to have issues. Keeping their allergies and asthma under control takes planning. Make sure your child uses their medications as prescribed by establishing a routine and sticking to it all year long. You can also tour their school and classrooms beforehand to identify any potential triggers that might exacerbate their symptoms.

Common allergy and asthma triggers in the classroom include:

• Dust mites, mold, and animal dander
• Seasonal allergies, such as ragweed
• Chalkdust
• Strong odors
• Volatile organic compounds, such as new carpeting

You can also help your child’s teacher or school nurse in advance by creating a detailed list describing your child’s symptoms and triggers along with their medications and dosages. They should also have contact information to reach you in the event of an emergency.

Identify allergy triggers

The best way to keep allergies and asthma under control is by accurately identifying potential triggers so you can effectively manage them in advance. Our team offers extensive allergy testing with skin and blood tests, which can recognize sensitivities to a wide array of allergens, including:

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

Once we determine the factors triggering your child’s symptoms, we can develop a detailed preventive strategy to keep them under control. It’s also essential to talk with your child about their diagnosis so they can take an active role in managing their condition.

Be ready for physical activity

When your child has allergies and asthma, it’s tempting to keep them sitting on the sidelines. But, they can safely participate in exercise and sports once their condition is effectively controlled.

Before your child hits the field, talk to their teachers and coaches to make sure they know what to do during an asthma-related event. It’s also crucial that your child knows how to handle their symptoms, avoid potential triggers, and ask for help if problems arise.

Common ways of avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms during physical activity include:

• Using short-acting inhalers beforehand
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding exercise that triggers symptoms

If your child continues having asthma symptoms, we can work closely with you to make adjustments to their preventive care plan.

For more back-to-school tips for managing asthma and allergies, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advance Medical Group today.