How to Go Back To School With Allergies and Asthma Successfully?

September brings new backpacks, schools, friend and teachers.  It's also a great time  for parents with children with asthma this is a time to revisit your child's asthma action plan.  Changes in the weather from summer to fall also triggers new pollen's to be released.  In NYC, September is ragweed and fall pollen season.  Decaying leaves also trigger mold spores to be high.  These are all potential triggers for asthma and allergy attacks.

How can you go back to school successfully with allergies and asthma?

1) Make an appointment with your allergist.  A board certified allergist will help identify what's triggering symptoms.  Gramercy Allergy and Asthma will help put together an asthma and allergy action plan to keep you child healthy as they start the school year.  Our goal for you- no missed school days this year from uncontrolled asthma and allergies.

2) Get reevaluated yearly.    Allergies change throughout the course of a life.  Food, environmental and chemical sensitivities can come and go.  Food allergies should be evaluated on a regular basis.  make sure your epinephrine and other medications are up to date and you remember how to use them.


3) Talk to the Teacher.  If allergies for your child are triggered by indoor allergens, make sure the teachers are aware.  Food allergies in the classroom can be particularly scary for children.  Talk to them if they are having anxiety about eating with others. Food allergies in the classroom may be the cause of bullying.  Keep an open dialogue with your children regarding any issues that might arise over the the course of the year.  The FARE Teal Pumpkin project is a great way to introduce food allergies to a classroom.

4) Have a plan!  Don't let allergies and asthma prevent your child from participating in gym, after school events and play because of exercise induced symptoms.  Children with asthma should be able to participate in any activity or sport they choose with the right plan and medication.

5) Get the flu vaccine!  The flu can trigger severe asthma.  All children should be vaccinated.


Do you need more help with  treating asthma and allergies this school year?  Schedule an appointment with us.  Gramercy Allergy specializes in treatment of allergies and asthma in New York City..