It’s back-to-school season, which is an exciting time for children and parents alike. However, for the families of the almost 6 million children who suffer from food allergies, it can also be nerve-wracking. To help ease any anxiety for you and your child, it’s important to ensure you’re all prepared for the upcoming year.
Understanding Allergies
Your child’s immune system works to protect their body from diseases, viruses and infections. But for children with allergies and allergy symptoms, their immune systems mistake harmless substances as dangerous intruders. An allergic reaction occurs when their body is exposed to one of these substances, known as an allergen, and their immune system overreacts.
To fight off the intruder, the immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes the cells to release histamine. Histamine can increase mucus production and inflammation; this is what causes allergy symptoms.
Back-to-School Checklist
We review a back-to-school checklist for children with allergies below.
Schedule an Appointment with an Allergist
An expert allergist can conduct an allergy test to determine exactly what your child is allergic to, then create a plan to treat their allergies. This may include a combination of practicing avoidance of known allergens, taking allergy medications such as antihistamines and undergoing immunotherapy. They can also prescribe an up-to-date epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), which could save your child’s life.
Meet with School Personnel
You should meet with your child’s administrators, teachers and nurses at Charleston Schools to discuss your child’s allergies if they are severe. During this meeting, you can review emergency procedures, fill out any necessary paperwork and provide an extra EpiPen and some safe foods that their teacher can keep in the classroom.
Prepare Your Child
You should teach your child how to be safe at school. Some tips include:
- Not sharing food, utensils or straws
- Only eating approved foods from home
- Washing hands before and after eating
- Reading food labels to look for triggering ingredients
- Carrying their EpiPen with them wherever they go
- Wearing a MedicAlert identification
- Telling an adult when they don’t feel well
For more information on pediatric allergies or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.