If you or your child has asthma or allergies, here are some tips to make a smooth transition from warm sunny days to cool, wet weather and the start of viral season.

School tips:

• Dress your child in extra layers of clothing to cover the chest; consider using a scarf to cover the nose and mouth. Cold air causes the airways to narrow, leading to chest tightness and cough.
• Remind children to wash hands before eating and after sneezing, coughing or wiping the nose. Hand-washing is the most effective method of preventing viral infections.
• Vaccinate your child against influenza.
• Make sure your child’s rescue inhaler is in-date; children with exercise-induced asthma may need to use albuterol 15 to 20 minutes prior to physical activities, such as P.E. class or sports practice. See if your school requires a note on file to have medications administered at school.
• Talk to your doctor about obtaining an Asthma Action Plan (see below), which helps guide school staff in managing your child’s asthma. Keep a copy at the school.
• If your child has a food allergy, make sure you have an EpiPen available at school and a Food Action Plan on file. Ask your doctor about a Food Action Plan if you don’t have one.

Some of the allergens you or your child might be exposed to at school include:

• Mold
• Dust
• Food allergens
• Animal dander exposure, either from a classroom pet or from close contact with others who have household pets

Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism. Now is the time to review with your doctor which allergy medications you might need as school begins. And work with them to develop an Asthma Action Plan. An Asthma Action Plan is a written management plan that shows what your daily asthma medications are and how and when to take them. Your plan also will tell you how to escalate treatment to handle an asthma attack, and describe when to seek medical attention.

Students with asthma and allergies can learn at their maximum potential if their needs are met. At Oregon Allergy Associates, we strive to keep students in the classroom.