HOUSTON – (Aug. 9, 2010) – As back-to-school
approaches, parents may worry about the best way for their kids to manage asthma
or allergies at school. An asthma specialist at Texas Children's Hospital believes
the best defense is communication with teachers at the beginning of the school year.
"Houston's semi-tropical climate means that pollen and mold spores are present year-round,"
said
Dr. Stuart Abramson, a specialist with Texas Children's Asthma Center and
the Allergy & Immunology Service. "These substances, along with some indoor
allergens and irritants, are major triggers of allergy and asthma symptoms and kids
may need preventive or treatment medicines while they are at school. It's a good
idea for parents to have a conversation with the teacher or school nurse to discuss
the child's medications and what to do in case he or she has symptoms."
Here are suggestions that parents should consider:
- Discuss medications that you child needs and when to give them, such as an inhaled
bronchodilator
- File a written action plan, developed with a health care provider, with the school
- Give written permission for school officials to administer medications
Parents also wonder if their child should participate in school sports if he or
she has asthma. For the most part, the answer is "yes."
"If children have asthma under good control using a proper treatment plan, they
should be able to participate in any sport that they desire" said Dr. Abramson.
"However, some sports are more likely to trigger asthma symptoms than others. For
some, swimming in a chlorinated indoor pool can be irritating. In long distance
running, there is a lot of exertion and exposure to pollens and mold spores that
can trigger an attack. We recommend that kids with exercise-induced asthma use a
bronchodilator 10-15 minutes before activity as a pre-treatment to prevent symptoms.
We also recommend that children with allergies and asthma have a back-to-school
healthcare visit to review a current management and activity plan before returning
to school," Dr. Abramson said.
Parents also can prepare for a healthy school year by ensuring their child has healthy
sleeping habits, eats a nutritious breakfast and lunch, and is mentally prepared
to go back to school.
Get more back to school tips.
About Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing
the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for
its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas
Children's is ranked in the top 10 best children's hospitals by U.S. News and World
Report. Texas Children's also operates the nation's largest primary pediatric
care network, with over 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas
Children's has embarked on a $1.5 billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes
a neurological research institute, a comprehensive obstetrics facility focusing
on high risk births, and a community hospital in suburban West Houston. Get the
latest Texas Children's news on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/texaschildrens.
