September is Peak Asthma Month: Is Your Child Ready?

Parents brace for peak asthma month, advises HealthRadar as summer is coming to an end. 
 
The expert explained that they call September Asthma Peak Month because children are going to school, and viruses spread among them. 
 
“September raises the levels of bacterial vulnerability such as mold and ragweed,” Marshall added in a ACAAI news release also noting that children may have forgotten to take their asthma medicines over the summer. “It is clear that, for example, allergists observe more patients in September, more attacks of asthma, and more hospitalizations, and all this is especially true for children. ” 
 
However, Marshall said there are things parents can do to ensure their children can stay away from allergy and asthma flare-ups this school season. 
 
Find an allergist. A simple trip to the board-certified allergist before preschool age can equip the parents with an allergy as well as asthma management plan that focuses on the possible allergens as well as prepare for prescriptions. Marshall said that the children on an allergist are five times less likely to miss school compared to their peers, according to their asthmatic condition. 
 
Teamwork helps. Allergies and asthma should be managed in synergy with the child’s teacher, according to Marshall. Teachers with children in their classes who have asthma are numerous, therefore, most teachers have experience in dealing with childhood asthma. It is important for the parents to keep their child’s school informed regarding this child’s treatment plan and environmental triggers of asthma together with treatments and medications in use. 
 
Avoid viruses. Common cold, influenza, COVID-19, RSV all are respiratory viruses that trigger asthma attacks. Ensure kids are immunized against diseases that are prevalent in crowded classes, and educate them on how to reduce their exposure to the pathogens such as regular hand washing. 
 
Confirm any food allergies. Even though, some of the available sources and home tests may give the child wrong information concerning the allergies they have to foods. Any child with a food allergy must be taken to an allergist to be tested and confirm the issue, then inform the school of anything a kid cannot consume. About 5% to 8% of children are said to have diagnosed food allergies and the children should know of them and carry an epinephrine pen if need be. 
 
Let them play ball. Asthma is something you have since birth, and it is ‘okay’ for children and teenagers to exercise, though they have asthma or allergies. Kids should be allowed to participate in their favorite sports if they adhere to their doctor’s instructions regarding allergy. When games are being played in the playground, phys ed or other after school activities or sports, they all lead to some constriction of the airways but a kid with well managed asthma should nadir participate. Moreover, one is more likely to have the symptoms while exercising, these symptoms show that the asthma is not well managed and requires the attention of a doctor. 
 
More information 
 
The Allergy & Asthma Network has more on management of asthma in school. 
 
New findings on indoor allergies: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, News Release, July 23, 2024 
 
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Sharing the asthma management plan with the child’s teacher, coach and school administration can assist a kid to fully participate in activities at school without risking an asthma attack.