Back to School!
With August fast coming to a close, schools are in high gear, preparing for students to come back to classes. With Back-to-school preparation comes a long list of items for many Pittsburgh parents, including school supplies, backpacks, lunchboxes and even teacher-requested items.
One important thing to add to your checklist if your child suffers from allergies or asthma is communication regarding your child’s allergies or asthma treatment plan; this includes teachers, school administrators, lunch staff, and the school nurse.
Allergies and asthma symptoms vary and can be as unique as the person suffering from them, including your children. Below are a few tips to get your child properly prepared for the school year, in order to help deal with their specific allergy needs:
- Be sure that your child’s teacher as well as the school nurse is fully informed of your child’s specific allergy/asthma condition. This may require a separate meeting or phone conference, but is vital that the school be aware of your child’s specific allergies as well as their symptoms. If food allergies are involved, the school lunch staff may also need to be aware and take precautions to ensure that your child is not exposed to foods that will cause an allergic reaction.
- Develop a communication plan. Communication is the key to success in managing your child’s allergy or asthma symptoms. Whether by email or phone, you should be aware of any adverse reactions or symptoms in the school environment, so that you can communicate them with your child’s allergist.
- Be sure that the school has your child’s current physician and allergist information. Medical forms are usually sent home at the beginning of the school year. Be sure that your physician’s information is up-to-date as well as your allergist, and keep a copy with yourself, as well as having one on file with the school nurse and your child’s teacher.
- Have an asthma or anaphylaxis plan – Having a pre-arranged plan for severe symptoms can help manage your child’s condition in case they run into problems at school. It is important to clearly outline the details of the plan, which should be tailored specifically towards meeting your child’s needs in case of an asthma or allergy-related emergency.
While it is easy to get caught up in the hectic schedule of school, homework, and extracurricular activities, be sure to maintain a regular schedule with your child’s allergist, who would best know the proper treatment plan to address their individual needs.
Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates has been Pittsburgh’s Premier Allergy & Asthma Specialists, serving Pittsburgh-area residents for over 40 years. With a Board Certified Staff of specialists on hand, their goal is to provide the highest possible quality of care to those with allergic diseases, asthma and immune deficiency disorders. Offering Emergency Care services and convenient appointment hours, Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates strives to provide patients with the best possible care, tailored to their specific needs, in order to live a happy, symptom-free life.
If you are currently suffering from allergies or asthma, or have a family member who does, contact the expert professionals at Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates, with two convenient locations in Pittsburgh: Bethel Park, and Washington, PA. Their friendly and experienced staff will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have or set up an appointment at your convenience.