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One health concern parents might not think of when they send their children to school this fall is allergies. Things like dust from the chalkboard, mold in the locker room and dander from class pets can all cause allergy symptoms. Grass and pollen outside in the schoolyard are also allergy triggers which can affect your child's performance at school. It's a good idea to have a plan in place to treat your child's allergies before they leave home. Pediatric allergist Dr. Paul Ehrlich offers the following tips for relieving allergy symptoms during the school day.
- Identify the specific allergens that trigger your child's symptoms so he or she will be able to avoid contact with them.
- Tell your child's teachers, school nurse, coaches and caretakers about his or her allergies, triggers and medications.
- If your child is seated near classroom pets or plants, ask the teacher to change his or her seat.
- Remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading allergy - causing dust, pollen, pet dander or other substances.
- Before your child leaves for school, treat allergy symptoms with a non-sedating antihistamine, such as Children's Claritin or Zyrtec, that will last through the school day without making him or her drowsy.
It's important for kids with allergies to understand what causes their symptoms and take an active role in managing them. "Casey and the School Day Sneezes" is a fun and educational story that explains the allergy triggers kids may come across at school. It also has tips from Dr. Ehrlich on how to manage symptoms.
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