Health Centre
Spring Has Sprung! Managing Asthma and Hay Fever This Season
With the arrival of spring comes warmer weather, blooming flowers, and more time outdoors. Unfortunately, spring can also bring challenges for students who experience asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Increased pollen levels, changing weather conditions, and seasonal allergies can trigger symptoms and affect children's health, wellbeing, and concentration at school.
Understanding the Link Between Hay Fever and Asthma
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as grass, tree, or weed pollen. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue due to disturbed sleep
Many children who have asthma also experience hay fever. Poorly controlled hay fever can make asthma symptoms worse and increase the risk of asthma flare-ups. For this reason, it is important to manage both conditions effectively.
Signs Your Child's Asthma May Be Worsening
Please monitor your child for symptoms such as:
- Frequent coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Needing their reliever medication more often than usual
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, please consult your GP or asthma specialist.
What Parents Need to Do If Your Child Has Asthma:
Provide an updated Asthma Action Plan Ensure the school has a current Asthma Action Plan completed by your child's doctor. We request that this is done annually or when your child's asthma support needs change.
Check medication expiry dates Make sure your child's reliever medication (such as Ventolin) is in date and functioning correctly.
Students should have access to their prescribed asthma medication and their spacer while at school. We ask parents to provide this for their child if they have asthma.
Review symptoms regularly If your child is experiencing increased symptoms during spring, arrange a review with your healthcare provider.
What Parents Need to Do If Your Child Has Hay Fever:
Update the school with any medical information Please notify the school nurse if your child has been diagnosed with hay fever and requires medication during the school day.
Provide the school with a treatment plan from your GP so we can be aware of the appropriate action when your child develops symptoms.
Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations Regular use of prescribed allergy medications may help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. It is best to give an antihistamine as prescribed in the morning before school to alleviate symptoms throughout the day.
Monitor pollen-related symptoms Be aware that symptoms may worsen on windy days or after spending extended periods outdoors.
Encourage good hygiene Washing hands and face after outdoor activities and changing clothes after arriving home can help remove pollen.
Supporting Students at School
Our school is committed to supporting students with any health issues, including asthma and allergies. Staff are trained in managing asthma emergencies, and emergency asthma kits are available on site and when students are offsite in our first aid kits.
Families play a vital role in ensuring medical information and medications remain current and accessible.
As we enjoy the many benefits of spring, let's work together to help all students stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.
If you have any questions regarding your child's asthma or hay fever management at school, please feel free to contact me so I can help with your concerns.
Wishing all families a safe and healthy spring season!
Warm regards,
Cecile