Off to School with Confidence

When it comes to combining school with allergies or asthma, savvy parents turn to the familiar scouting motto: Be Prepared! Asthma and allergies are not conditions that can be quietly kept at home. Asthma flares and allergic reactions can occur anywhere, anytime, and our kids, school officials, and teachers need to be prepared to handle them.

Communication is the key. Set up an appointment with the school nurse (if your school is fortunate enough to have one), the principal, and your child’s teachers just before or immediately after the school year begins. If your child has food allergies, include the cafeteria manager as well. Emphasize that your objective for the meeting is to minimize the number of absences and maximize the positive learning environment.

Make a list of the health and educational needs of your child. Bring along a letter from your physician explaining your child’s asthma or allergies in detail, what precautions need to be followed, and the prescribed medication and treatment plans. Make copies of this letter for your child’s file, the nurse, and his teachers.

A "can do" attitude among all parties is crucial. Discuss your child’s triggers and specific ways to minimize exposure. For instance, suggest that your child not be seated near the chalkboard or assigned chores such as dusting, sweeping, or cleaning erasers. If you know your child is unable to participate in strenuous activity due to asthma, discuss alternate ways he can maintain involvement with his classmates, such as keeping score.

Suggest the school organize a "support group" of children who have asthma. This is a good way for kids to begin the school year and relieve any misconceptions about being the only one who “breathes weird.” The students can identify with each other and be a source of mutual encouragement.

Ask school administrators to inform you in advance of renovation or construction repairs, such as new carpeting, painting, removing ceiling tiles, resurfacing the parking areas, or tarring the roof. Fumes and dust from these activities can be overwhelming to even the healthiest of lungs and nasal passages; however, to a child with asthma or allergies, the irritants can trigger the inflammatory process and bring on days or weeks of compromised health.

Other triggers and precautions to discuss:

• Potted plants in the classroom can harbor mold, as can gym lockers and showers.

• Gym floors are notorious for swirling clouds of dust, an easily eliminated source of a common asthma and allergy trigger.

• Classroom pets should be kept in a "visiting area" outside the classroom.

• Carpet squares used as mats for sitting or napping are often full of dust mites, animal dander (carried on the clothes of other children), and mold.

• Secondhand smoke is a potent airway irritation. All schools should have a no smoking policy for children and adults.

• Grass mowing stirs up allergens and irritants.