Seasonal allergies are a common problem for children. Data collected in 2012 showed that 9% or 6.6 million children had reported hay fever in the past 12 months.
While some children may be more prone to experiencing worse allergy symptoms in the spring or summer, others have their biggest flare-ups in the fall. This unfortunately happens to coincide with the start of school and poses some unique challenges.
The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help your child manage their allergies in the classroom.
Allergy Triggers at School
Pollen can get into classrooms in many different ways, from open windows to kids tracking it in and out of the building. Additionally, you may find dust mites, mold and pet dander in schools, three substances that can trigger allergy symptoms and worsen asthma in children with the condition.
How to Help Your Child
- Talk to teachers and school officials. If your child is highly allergic, it may be helpful to talk with teachers and administrators about the importance of keeping windows in the classroom closed when pollen counts are high. If your child’s room has a class pet that could be a trigger, speak about moving the pet outside or to a different class. Additionally, you can ask about any needed repairs to the water system and ask about air filtration. Stress the importance of being proactive to take steps to protect your child as well as other children at the school with allergies.
- Inform others of your child’s treatment plan. Give other adults at the school a list of your child’s allergy triggers, medications and other treatment plans. If your child has severe enough allergies to require an EpiPen, make sure the school staff is aware of this and knows how to administer the medication in case of an emergency.
Unsure if Your Child Has Fall Allergies?
Symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and a scratchy throat can have other causes like a cold or infection, so it’s important to figure out what your child is dealing with. If their symptoms linger for weeks, speak to their primary care provider. If they suspect allergies, they will likely refer you to an allergist to perform allergy testing.
These tests can help confirm that your child does have allergies as well as narrow down what their triggers are, which can be useful when it comes to formulating a treatment plan.
Treating your child’s allergies not only helps rid them of their symptoms, but it makes it easier for them to focus and have fun in class at Parkside Elementary School.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child with one of our allergists, contact ENT of Georgia North today.
