Parents are being encouraged to take an active role in managing their children's allergies and asthma as the new school year begins. According to James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), environmental allergens present in schools—such as dust mites, mold, pet dander from classmates’ pets, and pollen—can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms during the day.
“There are ‘hidden’ allergens at school that can trigger both allergy and asthma flares,” said Tracy. “Environmental allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander from other kids’ pets and even seasonal allergens like pollen can all affect your child’s allergies and asthma during the school day and make symptoms worse. If you work with school personnel, you can put a plan in place to ease your child’s symptoms.”
The ACAAI recommends several steps for parents to help manage their child's condition while at school. Parents should contact teachers early to discuss their child’s allergy plan. This includes touring classrooms, meeting with staff about triggers and treatment plans, ensuring those who need to know are aware of any medication requirements during the day, and making sure there is understanding about how to use emergency medications like epinephrine auto injectors.
Vaccinations remain important for children with asthma or allergies since they may be more vulnerable to respiratory infections such as flu, RSV, or Covid-19. The ACAAI notes that children with egg allergies can safely receive the flu vaccine.
The organization also advises confirming food allergy diagnoses through proper testing by an allergist rather than relying on home tests that could lead to false positives or unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Before classes resume, parents are urged to consult a board-certified allergist for updated prescriptions tailored to each child’s current needs. For some children with persistent symptoms, immunotherapy may be recommended. According to ACAAI data cited by Tracy: “Kids who have asthma who see an allergist have 77 percent fewer days out of school.”
The ACAAI provides resources for families seeking board-certified specialists via www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology represents over 6,000 professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma nationwide from its Arlington Heights headquarters.
