Have You Educated School Staff About Your Child's Allergies & Asthma Needs?

If your child has recently undergone allergy testing in Phoenix, you may feel overwhelmed by the burden of keeping their allergies and asthma under control once the school year begins. Is it possible to control symptoms when your child away from home? Will medication be accessible if it’s needed? When it comes to controlling your child’s allergies and asthma, you need to have a lesson plan.

The ABC’s of asthma and allergy education
For successful control of allergy and asthma symptoms, every person in your child’s life must be informed. Having a plan in place at home, at school, and other places of activity is your best defense against failure. Your lesson plan won’t work if it’s not shared with those who can act on it.

Crib notes: Providing a reference for school staff…

• Teachers
  Train teachers about your child’s allergy and asthma triggers. Sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing can be reduced when they are kept under control.
   
• Staff
  Teach staff, including the principal and the nurse, about how to handle your child’s allergy and asthma emergencies, such as the administration of asthma and anaphylaxis medication. All 50 states protect your child’s access to these medications at school. All staff should know how to administer these medications to your child should they be unable to handle it themselves.
   
• Coach
  Help coach, physical education teachers, and playground monitors bone up on how activities can trigger exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). It is possible to enjoy exercise and activities while keeping symptoms under control, but it is imperative school staff knows how to handle an asthma-related event.
   
• Parents
  Other parents should also be informed about your child’s food allergies if your child’s school allows outside treats to be brought in for special occasions. Off-limit items should be made known to your child, other parents, and school staff.

Have you done your homework?
If your child is suffering from allergies or asthma, the care of an allergy specialist is essential. Identifying and avoiding triggers is key to happy, symptom-free life. Treatments such as immunotherapy and allergy shots can reduce and prevent the development of symptoms, keeping your child in school and ensuring a brighter, healthier future.

Unsure what your child is allergic to? Allergy testing in Phoenix can help. Educate yourself and your child for a brighter, more allergy-free future!