Back to School Tips for School Kids with Allergies and Asthma

Filed in archive Asthma , Hay Fever , Living with Allergies on September 7, 2007

Your child has allergies or allergic asthma and starting or going back to school? Here are more tips from the to help your child prepare and cope for the coming school year.

Check medication supplies. For some reasons, asthma and allergies incidents rise during the school start. I always keep a set of medications at home, another in school, and another one in his backpack. If your school has specific policies for bringing medications to school, make sure to straighten this out right from the beginning.

Alleviate stress. New environment, new friends, new routine. School start can be a stressful time for our young ones, which can worsen existing allergies and asthma. Try to make the transition as smooth as possible to reduce your kids' stress levels.

Outdoor activities. Physical education classes may be a hazard, particularly when done outdoors. Whether it's the exercise or the pollen, best inform the PE teacher of your child's conditions. It may also make sense to give prophylactic treatment prior to the class, but consult with your allergist.

The AAFA also offer checklists such as the QuickReport Card - Schools (pdf file) to help you keep track of the areas that your school may need to improve to keep students with asthma and allergies safe and healthy. You cannot eliminate the allergens in the school completely, but the checklist gives you an idea where possible triggers lie-areas that are best avoided or be more careful about.