HAVE ALLERGIES
and headed to college?
Here’s what you need to know
For millions of high school seniors, the
summer after graduation is a full one.
There is no shortage of parties, summer
cookouts or afternoons spent by the
pool. There’s a lot to look forward to –
and a lot to prepare for.
Going to college is the first time many young
adults will be away from their parents and their
home. With this newfound freedom comes
new responsibilities, especially for those with
allergies and asthma.
“For most teens, going away to college
marks their first time living on their own,” says
allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of
the American College of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology (ACAAI). “In addition to moving to
a new place, many teens must learn to manage
their own schedule, diet, exercise and health.
Young people may find their allergies and
asthma neglected due to other, seemingly more
important demands for their time.”
If you or someone in your family has allergies
or asthma and is headed off to college this fall,
here are five tips from ACAAI on how to prepare
for the transition.
1. Make time now to see your allergist –
Schedule an appointment with your allergist
now to discuss plans for the fall. During
this visit you should ask for a referral to
an allergist close to where you’re going to
college, as well as a complete copy of your
records, including medications, lab work and
allergy test results.
2. Start practicing good self-management –
The best line of defense against allergy and
asthma attacks starts with you! Know your
triggers and always be aware of risk factors
when you go into a new environment. Carry your
asthma medications with you in case of a flareup.
3. Set up a network – It’s easy to leave things
to parents, but once you move out, you’ll need
to take an active role in your health. Whether
you’re going 100 or 1,000 miles away, you’ll
need to contact school administrators to
discuss necessary arrangements for your dorm
room and meals. If you’re moving far from home,
along with a new allergist, identify new primary
care and specialty physicians, as well as a new
pharmacy.
4. Talk to the folks who’ll make your food –
If you have a food allergy, plan to talk to food
handlers and ask about ingredients at every
meal or snack. You probably already carefully
read labels, but make sure your friends,
roommate and resident adviser know about your
food allergies. It’s your job to educate others
about your allergies.
5. Have an emergency plan – Anyone at risk
for a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction,
known as anaphylaxis, needs to always have
immediate access to epinephrine auto injectors.
Almost every fatality from food allergy involves
lack of timely use of epinephrine. Even when
you’re at the gym or out with friends, find a way
to keep two doses of epinephrine on hand.
Allergists are the best trained professionals
to diagnose and treat allergies and asthma.
To make sure you’re fully prepared for the fall,
contact your allergist or, if you need help finding
one, visit the ACAAI allergist locator.
Courtesy BPT