For Parents: Managing Your Child's School Allergies

Managing Your Child's School Allergies

According to the CDC, over one-quarter of kids in the US have at least one allergy. As back-to-school season approaches, parents need to learn how to properly manage their children's conditions and ensure the little ones are safe.

Luckily, with a bit of preparation, you can keep your child’s school allergy in check. Check out this short blog post to find out how!

What Allergies May Need to Be Managed in School?

First, you must consider possible allergic reactions to the school environment, which could include:

Tree pollen or grass allergies if the child plays outside
Allergies to bugs
Classroom pet allergies
Latex allergy (rubber is used in many school supplies)
Allergies to chemicals used in cleaning supplies
Dust allergies, etc.

These allergies may be specific to the school environment, meaning the child is more likely to deal with them at school than at home, where you have more control over the environment.

But there are other types of allergies to consider, such as food or drug allergies. The school staff should be informed about the child’s allergies so they don’t accidentally give them medication or food that could cause a reaction.

Common Allergy Symptoms in Kids

Allergic reactions in children may present with:

Stuffy nose
Itchiness in the ears and roof of the mouth
Itchy or dry eyes
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Hives or itchy skin patches, etc.
Anaphylaxis (in extreme cases)

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, bring them to a allergy specialist near you to take an test and get an official diagnosis. Not all bad reactions are proof of allergies, and getting an official diagnosis can help you manage the child’s condition better.

How to Manage a Child’s School Allergy

Unfortunately, you can’t always be next to your child to protect them. When they’re at school, you need to trust that the staff there will help.

But you can reduce any risks even further by:

Informing the school of your child’s allergy beforehand
Tell the teacher what signs to look for.
Remove big allergens from the classroom (such as pets or rubber supplies).
Create an allergy management plan to help school staff take the right action if the child experiences any allergic reactions.

The school will work together with you to make sure your child is perfectly safe while learning. With the above tips, your child’s chances of an unwanted allergic reaction are tremendously lowered.

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How Premier Allergy and Asthma Can Help

Has your child shown signs of a potential allergy? Get the definitive answer with Premier Allergy & Asthma’s help!

We provide several types of allergy tests, many of which are needle-free and will not cause your child any discomfort. Our staff can also help your child access the right treatment and help you learn how to manage their condition.

Schedule a pediatric allergy consultation at Premier Allergy & Asthma online and stop by to learn more.