Keeping KC Kids Healthy: Dealing with Spring Allergies

As you may know, one of our advertising partners is Kansas City Allergy & Asthma Associates.  I asked the physicians to guest-author several posts that would be of particular interest to our readers with young families. Asthma (and allergies) happens to be something I think about daily at my house.  My son is a severe asthmatic, and I am constantly aware of the weather, the health of other kids at school and his activities (amongst other things!)  This post addresses seasonal allergies. The beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing served as a reminder for me to stock up on allergy meds…it’s coming!  Be well!

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A stuffy nose, watery and itchy eyes and even a runny nose can be very uncomfortable for anyone; especially a student trying to focus on their schoolwork. Sometimes medications and the discomfort of allergies can cause trouble sleeping and also contribute to difficulty in the classroom. Here are some tips for students during allergy season:

• Make sure school classroom area is well ventilated and has proper humidity to minimize molds.
• Teach your child early on that hand washing is important.
• If young children take naps, avoid napping or reading on carpeted surfaces. Instead sit at a desk or use a personal mat for nap taking.
• If chalk boards are still in use, be sure your child isn’t too close to it, as they can inhale the chalk dust.
• Ask the teacher and student if their work area is dusted regularly.
• See your allergist and ask about medications that can help reduce symptoms and ask about medications to reduce drowsiness.
• Encourage teamwork and ask your local parent, teacher and student organization to help educate staff and teachers about allergies.

As spring is upon us, parents need to make sure that their children are prepared to confront the challenges that their allergies and asthma will likely present to them. Here are some helpful hints and important issues prepared by Dr. Neustrom and Dr. Ward that need to be addressed at the start of and during every school year:

• Make sure there are antihistamines and bronchodilators (albuterol/Xopenex) available at school with an instruction letter for teachers and nurses.  For asthma inhalers, make sure there is a spacer or holding chamber available for home and school. Contact KCAA for information available to school nurses and preparation kit info. available from the  American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or visit www.aaaai.org.
• Make sure you have an updated Asthma Action Plan and Food Allergy Action Plan for home and school, and that teachers and school nurses are aware of your child’s medical problems. Visit www.foodallergy.org or visit www.kcallergy.com for access to many educational website links.
• Make sure to speak with physical education teachers and coaches to make sure that they are aware your child has asthma and allergies.  If needed, be sure to make sure your child, teachers, and coaches know to pre-medicate with the appropriate allergy and asthma medications prior to activities.

————-compiled from KCAA articles, web content and press releases; 9/2010