News Desk |
Your kids may be enjoying the lazy days of summer, but if they have asthma, allergies, or both, they need to be prepared for back-to-school. And so do their classrooms. Every child wants to feel their best at home and at school. You can help your kids this fall by being prepared. The more they know how to control symptoms, the better equipped you all are when faced with obstacles.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are an abnormal immune system reaction to common pollen or mold spore allergens that often show up in the spring, summer and fall. Allergies are triggered by harmless substances that the body mistakes as a possible threat. As it tries to fight the allergens, the body releases histamine and other substances which then lead to allergy symptoms.
Common spring allergens include:
- Trees pollens
- Grass pollens
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
During the spring, plants are pollinating, and people begin mowing their lawns again, causing allergens like grass, tree pollen, and mold spores to swirl through the air. Dust is also often stirred up through spring cleaning, which can kick-start an allergic reaction, but dust mites can be found in homes year-round. However, the warmer weather and higher humidity promote the increase in dust mites.
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Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Allergy symptoms are caused by the histamine and other substances released by from allergy cells when an allergen is ingested, inhaled, or comes into contact with eyes or skin. The immune system releases these chemicals to defend against the allergens and an allergic reaction.
Typical allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Itchy eyes
- Nasal congestion
Precautionary measures
There are other steps you can take to help your child manage allergies at school. Try these tips:
- Share your child s treatment plan with school staff. It needs to include a list of substances that trigger your child’s allergies or asthma and a list of medications taken by your child.
- Be sure your child knows to wash their hands and face when they come in from outside to get rid of pollen.
- If your child is allergic to dust, ask that they sit away from the blackboard to avoid chalk dust
- If your child has food allergies, he or she should bring a bagged lunch to school every day and avoid sharing food, napkins and utensils with others.
- For kids, just like for adults, the key to exercising outdoors is being prepared. If you know your child is allergic to pollen, check the pollen levels in your area and start medications two weeks prior to when levels are at their worst.
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Teach Your Child about Allergies
One of the best things you can do for your child is teaching them about their allergies and how to manage them. Make learning about their allergies fun with interactive puzzles and games! You can also make the older crop watch youtube videos for better understanding. By teaching your child about managing their allergies, you can help reduce the number of missed school days.
Meeting with the school staff
Be it for a child in prep school or a 17-year old in college, any unseen episode should be handled by a trained individual. Make a reference card about your child’s triggers and reactions. Give it to the school nurse and/or administration – do not rely on a meeting you had 8 months back with a single teacher. Be sure to include:
- Your child’s typical allergy symptoms and what triggers them
- The names and doses of medications he takes
- Any allergies he has to medication
- Your work, home, and mobile telephone numbers
- A backup emergency-contact person
- Pediatrician contact information, insurance information, and a preferred hospital/ER name