The biggest worry for some kids as they head off to summer camp is whether their IPad will get a connection in the North Woods. Others have far graver concerns, including nasal allergies,Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers." rel="tooltip">asthmaand food allergies. Parents of kids with these conditions must do homework to determine the best fit for their child. The goal is to keep kids safe while allowing them to have fun and create memories.
Finding the right camp for your child with allergies or asthma can seem daunting, depending on how serious their symptoms are. The American College ofAllergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food." rel="tooltip">Allergy, and Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), says the good news is more camps understand what goes into keeping a child with allergies or asthma safe and making sure they have the right protections in place. ACAAI also notes it’s important to be specific about your child’s needs and search for a camp that’s a good fit.
Following are guidelines from ACAAI for finding the right summer camp for your child with allergies or asthma.
All hands on deck- - - - - -Whether your child is attending day camp or sleepaway camp, a key component to keeping them safe is ensuring staff is knowledgeable on handling potential medical emergencies. It’s not enough for the camp director to understand how to store and use anEpinephrine is a naturally occurring hormone, also called adrenaline. It is one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heart beats and thereby the work that can be done by the heart. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. Epinephrine has been produced synthetically as a drug since 1900. It remains the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis." rel="tooltip">肾上腺素auto injector, or an asthma inhaler. The staff needs to be trained in what to do when a severe allergic reaction or asthma emergency occurs, and how to help a child use their devices. They also need to know when to call 911, and where the nearest hospital is, and the quickest route there.
Send along more than clean undies- - - - - -If your child uses medications for their nasal allergies or asthma, or if they carry an epinephrine auto injector for severe allergic reactions, visit the allergist before they leave. Make sure their prescriptions are the appropriate dose for their height and weight and are up to date. Then send along a sufficient supply of their medications, and a spare. Double-check expiration dates on existing supplies.
继续,惹的食堂- - - - - -Food is a big part of any camp experience, particularly sleepaway camp. If your child has a food allergy, communicate with the kitchen staff to make sure no areas exist where cross contamination can occur. Find out how the camp communicates and monitors food allergy information and determine whether that works for you and your child. If your child is attending day camp, sending a bag lunch is best as you can guarantee he or she will be eating safe foods. Remind them that eating other kids’ food isn’t ok.
Going to camp to make new friends and have fun is something kids enjoy and remember for many years. More importantly for kids with asthma and allergies, going to camp can provide an opportunity to spread their wings and have some independence. It’s a way to prove to themselves, and to you, that they’re capable of handling their health challenges on their own.
All children with asthma or allergies who go to camp need an emergency health plan in place with the head of the camp, with the camp medical personnel and with their counselor. For more information about treatment of severe allergic reactions and asthma, and to locate an allergist in your area, visitAllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administerImmunotherapy is a form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular "blocking" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future." rel="tooltip">immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visitAllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us onFacebook,Instagram,PinterestandTwitter.
