Allergies and asthma are both common and on the rise among school-age kids. And while the sneezing, coughing, discomfort, and wheezing involved with these conditions can lead to missed school and emotional upset, there’s a lot you can do to improve matters for your little one.
Our expert team at Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics in Irving, Texas, diagnoses and treats chronic conditions in kids, including asthma and allergies, to help them thrive at home and at school.
As you prepare for the school year, consider the following tips for helping your child thrive.
Understanding their personal triggers can help a child with asthma or allergies feel more in control of their well-being as they learn to avoid them. Meanwhile, go over an action plan together. Share your ideas, and ask if they have any they’d like to add.
Helpful action plan steps may include:
Let your child know how proud you are of them and the way they’re tending to their health. You could even create a reward system for maintaining good asthma care habits, where they receive stickers or points toward a special toy or outing.
At the start of the school year, or just before, talk to the school nurse and your child’s teachers or activity leaders about your child’s health needs. If applicable, you could bring or email a sheet of smart practices, too, such as monitoring pollen levels on a weather app and closing windows on high-pollen days.
You can also ask to be informed of any activities that might stir up allergens. Many teachers happily offer indoor activity alternatives for asthma and allergy-sensitive kids. The same goes for special tables or rooms for children with severe food allergies to eat in.
Be sure to ask about the school’s inhaler policy as well. Ideally, your child will be able to keep their inhaler nearby, to avoid time required to head to the nurse’s office during an asthma attack.
Routine pediatric check-ups can help ensure that your child stays as healthy as possible as they grow and develop. Regular exams and added visits for any symptom flare-ups also provide a chance for you and your child to ask questions and get sound, personalized advice.
If your child has environmental allergies, your provider at Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics may be a candidate for immunotherapy. This minimally invasive treatment involves a series of shots that introduce tiny amounts of an allergen to gradually desensitize your child’s immune system.
Looking for customized back-to-school tips for kids with allergies and asthma? We’re here to help. Call 469-713-3838 to reach Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics in Irving, Texas, today, or request an appointment through our website at your convenience.
