Vacation is pretty much over for kids and parents alike as “back to school” day approaches. School supplies, uniforms, and after-school activity enrollments are now at the top of most “to do lists”. Allergy and asthma conditions, however, can pose additional challenges to the excitement and expectations of starting a new year. Managing symptoms, in the less intrusive way possible, in order to ensure a safe and productive school year ahead is top priority for parents.

Remember it is parents’ responsibility to inform their kids’ school nurse, teachers and cafeteria staff of any condition(s) that could pose a health risk to their child.

Allergy & Asthma Alphabet at a Glance:

A = Allergy

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies affect 8% of children in the United States.

A = {Food} Allergy: Eight foods (commonly referred to as “the big 8”) are responsible for 90% of all food allergic reactions in the United States: peanut, milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shell-fish.

E = Epinephrine: Recent studies indicate that as many as 24% of emergency epinephrine (commonly known as EpiPen) administrations in schools involve previously unknown allergies. It is very important for parents to learn to spot the signs of a serious allergic reaction, especially as the new school year begins.

A = Anaphylaxis

Symptoms of a food-induced allergic reaction most commonly include: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in some severe cases, a total system shut-down (commonly known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock). It is crucial for undiagnosed children, already showing symptoms of food allergies, to be brought in for testing with an allergy specialist.

A = Asthma

Asthma affects 1 out of every 10 school-aged children. Although asthma can begin at any age, most children experience their first symptoms by the age of five. Signs to look for include: frequent coughing spells, irregular breathing, chest tightness, a whistling sound when breathing, and shortness of breath. Although there is no cure for asthma, with proper treatment by an asthma specialist, your child can live an active, normal life.

B = Breathe Easy Once Again!

With multiple locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care makes it easy for every patient to keep allergies and asthma under professional care.

C = Call us today!

5 reasons why:

1. Our doctors specialize in treating only Allergy, Asthma and Immunologic Disorders
2. We offer multiple locations to better serve our community
3. FCAAC has been in business for over 35 years
4. Our centers accept every insurance
5. FCAAC makes your referral and first appointment easy

Extra Tips For Parents:

Parents of children diagnosed with allergies or asthma should consider the following when going back to school:

Food Allergies

– Complete a School Action Plan with your child’s allergy and asthma specialist and submit to teachers, school administrators, cafeteria staff, and athletic coaches. This includes and identifies triggers, symptoms, treatment, and emergency management of your child’s potentially life-threatening allergies.

– Provide your child’s school with prescriptions and any medication your child may need, including two doses of epinephrine (EpiPen).

– Whenever possible, provide specially-prepared daily meals and snacks for children with food allergies.

Awareness & Avoidance

– Check-out this must have list: 15 Steps to Managing Life with Food Allergies

– Work with your child on understanding their condition, identifying triggers and symptoms, using their medication, and what to do in case of exposure.

– Obstacles can be surmounted when the proper precautions and instructions are followed, which will ensure your child remains safe and healthy at school, and life remains as normal as possible.

Asthma

– Speak with physical education teachers and coaches regarding indoor alternatives for children with exercise-induced asthma.

Working with an allergy and asthma specialist can help parents learn to manage their child’s daily care, safeguard their home and school from triggers, inform care-givers on their child’s condition, and develop a School Action Plan for managing symptoms and emergency care. Make an appointment today and be ready for the new school year!