You may have noticed that your child’s allergies and asthma symptoms improved during the summer. That’s because they’re usually exposed to fewer triggers at home, making it easier to control all that sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. But, they can’t stay home forever, and that’s where our team at Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, Massachusetts, can help.
At Bethel Family Medicine, led by Douglas R. Grogan, MD, FAAFP, NCMP, and Jennifer Hall Difalco, MD, we offer a variety of allergy and asthma treatments.
Here’s how we advise our young patients when it’s time for the new school year.
Don’t wait for your child to have issues. Keeping their allergies and asthma under control takes planning. Establish a routine and stick to it all year to ensure your child uses their medications as prescribed. You can also tour their school and classrooms beforehand to identify potential triggers that might exacerbate their symptoms.
Common allergy and asthma triggers in the classroom include:
You can also help your child’s teacher or school nurse in advance by creating a detailed list describing your child’s symptoms and triggers, along with their medications and dosages. They should also have contact information to reach you in an emergency.
The best way to keep allergies and asthma under control is by accurately identifying potential triggers so you can effectively manage them in advance. Our team offers extensive allergy testing with skin and blood tests, which can recognize sensitivities to a wide array of allergens, including:
Once we determine the factors triggering your child’s symptoms, we can develop a detailed preventive strategy to keep them under control. It’s also essential to talk with your child about their diagnosis so they can take an active role in managing their condition.
When your child has allergies and asthma, it’s tempting to keep them sitting on the sidelines. However, they can safely participate in exercise and sports once their condition is controlled.
Before your child hits the field, talk to their teachers and coaches to ensure they know what to do during an asthma-related event. It’s also crucial that your child knows how to handle their symptoms, avoid potential triggers, and ask for help if problems arise.
Common ways of avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms during physical activity include:
If your child continues to have asthma symptoms, we can work closely with you to adjust their preventive care plan.
For more back-to-school tips for managing asthma and allergies, schedule an appointment with the Bethel Family Medicine team.
