As parents across the United States prepare to send their children back to school, it's important for them to be aware of the fact that asthma attacks are particularly common during this time of the year, reports LiveScience.
With this in mind, here are some steps you can take to make sure your asthmatic child stays healthy this fall:
Communicate with your son or daughter – Find out how he or she is feeling physically during the first few weeks of September so that you can intervene and set up an appointment with a physician if necessary.
Schedule a flu shot – Flu season generally coincides with the beginning of the school year, and being exposed to this virus increases your son or daughter's risk of having an asthma attack. That being said, it's a good idea to arrange for your child to have a flu shot early on in the fall.
Speak with a school nurse – "Talk about what triggers a child's asthma and steps to reduce those triggers in the classroom," states The Oregonian. "Ask about the school's asthma emergency plan, and if coaches, teachers and staff are trained in how to recognize asthma symptoms and respond to a breathing emergency."
Although following this advice will help keep your children safe, healthy and symptom-free at school, there are also changes you can make around the house to improve their quality of life. To prevent irritants such as dust mites and mold from bothering them while they're in bed at night, consider investing in hypoallergenic mattresses, sheets and pillows for your kids' beds. This will ensure that they sleep well and are ready to tackle the school year.
