Allergies and asthma are becoming increasingly common in schools across the country. This presents a challenge for both parents and teachers to ensure that students with allergies and asthma can still come to school and learn safely.

Here are some tips for parents and teachers to help keep students with allergies and asthma safe in school.

Understanding Allergies and Asthma

Before we dive into the tips, it’s important to understand what allergies and asthma are and how they can be triggered. Allergies are caused by the body’s immune system reacting to a harmless substance, like pollen or dust.

This reaction can cause a variety of symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, and rashes.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of factors including exercise, pollution, and allergies.

When a person with asthma is exposed to a trigger, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, making the airways narrow.

Communicate with Parents

Parents of children with allergies and asthma should communicate with their child’s teacher and school nurse to ensure they are aware of the child’s condition and any necessary accommodations.

Parents can provide a written plan outlining what to do in case of an allergic reaction or asthma attack. This plan should include a list of the child’s triggers, symptoms, and emergency contacts.

Educate Students on Allergies and Asthma

It’s important for teachers to educate their students on allergies and asthma, especially if there are students in the class who have these conditions.

This can include teaching students about common allergens like peanuts or pollen and how to prevent an allergic reaction by washing hands or avoiding certain foods. Teachers can also educate students on what asthma is and how to identify the symptoms of an asthma attack.

Accommodations in the Classroom

Accommodations should be made in the classroom to ensure the safety of students with allergies and asthma. This can include banning certain foods in the classroom or providing an allergy-free zone for students with severe allergies.

Teachers can also make accommodations for students with asthma, such as allowing them to take breaks if they are feeling short of breath or providing an inhaler if necessary.

Plan for Emergencies

In case of an emergency, it’s important for teachers and school staff to have a plan in place. This plan should include how to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction or asthma attack and what steps to take to ensure the safety of the student.

Staff should also be trained in administering emergency medication like epinephrine for severe allergic reactions.

Clean and Dust-Free Classrooms

Allergies can be triggered by dust and other allergens in the air. Teachers can help reduce this risk by keeping the classroom clean and dust-free.

This can include regular cleaning of desks and other surfaces, vacuuming and dusting, and even keeping windows closed during peak pollen seasons.

Encourage Physical Activity

Although exercise can be a trigger for asthma, it’s important for students with asthma to stay active and healthy.

Teachers can encourage physical activity by incorporating movement into daily lessons, taking the class outside for recess or P.E., and working with students to find activities that are safe for them.

Use Technology

Technology can be a great tool for keeping students with allergies and asthma safe. Teachers can use apps and online tools to monitor pollen levels, air quality, and weather conditions that can trigger allergies or asthma attacks.

This can help teachers make informed decisions about whether to have class outside or keep windows closed.

Train Staff

Finally, it’s important to train all school staff on how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction or asthma attack. This includes teachers, school nurses, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers.

Staff should be trained on how to use emergency medication and how to ensure the safety of the student.