How to Prepare Your Child for School With Allergies or Asthma

The start of the school year can bring added worries for families managing allergies or asthma. A little preparation before school can go a long way in helping your child thrive. Although schools have protocols for dealing with health conditions, parents still have an important role in preparing their children and informing school staff. Working with your child’s healthcare provider, you can share important medical information and help school staff respond appropriately should an emergency occur.

Resource: schoolhealthny.com

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Fill Out the Necessary Medical Forms

Every school has different requirements for students who take medications during the school day, so families should check with the school for the required forms. Get in touch with your child’s school ahead of time to learn which forms have to be filled out. Then, ask your child’s doctor to complete and sign the required medical forms. This allows you to turn your child’s paperwork in early and avoid any last-minute issues if they require medicine or emergency care.

Learn Your School’s Health Procedures

Take the time to review your school’s procedures regarding allergies and asthma, including emergency protocols and medication storage. Talk to the school nurse or another staff member to find out who helps your child if they are experiencing symptoms during school hours. Make sure that school staff understands how to use inhalers and auto-injectors. Check the expiration dates on all of your child’s medication and provide current, unexpired medication before the school year begins.

Speak With Your Child’s Adult Supervisors

Teachers, coaches, cafeteria staff, playground supervisors, and bus drivers are all adults who work with your child throughout the school day. It is vital for you to educate all staff members about your child’s allergies and asthma, including specific triggers, signs and symptoms, and any emergency instructions.

Share an Allergy or Asthma Action Plan

An allergy or asthma action plan provides school personnel with easy-to-read instructions for recognizing symptoms and responding appropriately. Your child’s doctor can prepare this, which will then be shared with the school nurse, teachers, and other personnel who work with your child. A child who has a history of severe allergic reactions may also want to wear a medical alert bracelet in case a substitute teacher or someone unfamiliar with your child’s allergies is supervising.

Manage Your Child’s Asthma During the School Year

The beginning of the school year can expose your child to more allergens as well as viruses and other illnesses. It may even change the routine of your child’s treatment plan. If not carefully managed, this can lead to more asthma flare-ups. Stick to your child’s prescribed asthma treatment regimen and make sure to give any prescribed medications on a regular basis.

Resource: epa.gov

Keep in Touch With Your Child’s School

Keep communication active between you and your child’s school. Being involved in school events and volunteering for activities or groups allows you to be more familiar with school personnel and procedures. Building strong, positive relationships with teachers and administrative staff enables you to stay in touch and work together to support your child’s health and safety.

Preparation Makes a Difference

Uncontrolled asthma is a common cause of school absences. Preparing for the school year can give you the peace of mind you need to help your child attend school, stay healthy, and stay engaged in their education. Preparation is just one aspect of ensuring a child with allergies and asthma remains safe and engaged during the school year.

Resource: cdc.gov

When Should You See a Specialist?

If your child has had chronic coughing, repeated wheezing, frequent asthma flare-ups, or allergy symptoms that affect their daily activities, you should discuss it with your child’s doctor. Children with these conditions may benefit from seeing one of our specialists, as we will be able to formulate an effective treatment plan to minimize the risk of your child having any emergencies.

Make Your Appointment

The specialists at Colorado ENT & Allergy provide a variety of services for patients and families throughout Colorado Springs. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.