Health Tips for October 23

Health Tip: Stifle Back-to-School Allergy and Asthma Problems

Going back to school with asthma and allergies means dealing with pollens, molds and other allergens that contaminate the air during autumn. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these suggestions to help prevent allergy and asthma flares in your child: Have your child visit the doctor before school starts to make sure symptoms are well-controlled. Give a copy of your child's treatment plan to the school staff, which should be familiar with your child's triggers and medications. With the pediatrician's approval, make sure your child is vaccinated for seasonal flu and swine flu. Make sure your child carries an inhaler at all times, and an epinephrine kit if the child has life-threatening allergies. Talk to your child about what triggers symptoms (such as exercise or chalkboard dust), and make sure he or she knows to avoid them. Check out the school and look for any potential problems, such as cafeteria foods that could be dangerous to your child. Health Tip: Signs of an Asthma Attack in Your Child There may be warning signs before your child has a full-blown asthma attack. The American Lung Association says parents should be on the lookout for these potential red flags that an asthma attack may be imminent: A frightened facial expression and posture that indicates the child can't relax. Restless sleep. Coughing, particularly at night. Sweating, pale skin, rapid breathing and flaring of the nostrils. Labored breathing with the lips pursed. Vomiting and fatigue. Sunken areas between the ribs or in the neck.