With the return of fall comes the return to school. Whether it’s going back to school or even going for the first time, this season can be filled with both excitement and anxiety. And if your school-bound student has asthma or allergies, this can complicate the process. The Allergy and Asthma Network has reported that September and October are especially hard for those suffering from asthma or allergies. Known as the “September asthma peak,” this time of year sees a spike in hospitalization and visits to the ER for issues related to asthma and allergies. Since we cannot control the environment at school, taking the extra steps to prepare can make all the difference between struggling and thriving. Be sure to check out our back-to-school tips for students with asthma or allergies.
Four Back-to-School Tips for Students with Asthma and Allergies
• At school, the potential for issues can be tough to deal with, so make sure to visit and tour the school and talk to the faculty to help identify any potential threats of exposure that can be prepared for if issues arise. With proper planning, threats from dust, mold, insect stings, food-based allergens, and environmental exposure to other harmful airborne allergens can be mitigated.
• Make sure that your child has had a proper diagnosis and has the right medication for their condition. Take the medication along with the Doctor’s recommendations with you when you visit the school and talk to them about the plan of action in case of an emergency. The school should know about any medication schedules so that your child does not miss a dose to avoid any increase in symptoms.
•Check the local allergen reports daily if your child is sensitive to pollens, like ragweed or airborne irritants like mold. Knowing this information can help to adjust medications and other treatment plans accordingly.
•Make sure to have an EpiPen or medication available for those suffering from food-based or insect-based allergies. Talk to the staff at the school about your child’s needs and makes sure the school has a plan for dealing with anaphylactic shock, and there is someone there trained in EpiPen safety.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the school year will be a happy and safe one all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
September is referred to as the 'September asthma peak' because there is a noticeable spike in hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to asthma and allergies during this time. The return to school exposes students to new allergens and environmental triggers, which can worsen their symptoms and increase the risk of asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
Parents should visit and tour the school before the year starts to identify potential allergen threats such as dust, mold, insect stings, and food allergens. Communicating with school faculty about the child's condition and emergency action plans is essential. This preparation helps mitigate risks and ensures that the school environment supports the child's health needs.
It is crucial for children with asthma or allergies to have a proper diagnosis and carry their prescribed medications, including inhalers or EpiPens. Parents should share the doctor's recommendations and medication schedules with the school to ensure timely administration and readiness to handle emergencies, reducing the risk of severe symptoms or complications.
Daily monitoring of local allergen reports helps parents understand the current levels of pollens like ragweed and airborne irritants such as mold. This information allows parents to adjust medications and treatment plans proactively, helping to prevent asthma flare-ups or allergy symptoms triggered by environmental changes.
For children with food or insect allergies, it is essential to have an EpiPen or other emergency medications readily available at school. Parents should inform school staff about the child's allergies and ensure that there is a clear plan to handle anaphylaxis. It is also important that at least one person at the school is trained in EpiPen use to act quickly if an allergic reaction occurs.
Effective communication allows parents and school staff to collaborate on identifying triggers, medication schedules, and emergency response plans specific to the child's needs. This teamwork ensures that staff are prepared to support the student, reduces exposure risks, and enhances the child's safety and well-being during school hours.