• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Call (210) 616-0882
AllergySA
  • Welcome
  • Meet The Providers
  • Services
  • Allergysa Blog
    • Blog (In English)
    • Blog (En Español)
    • In The News
  • Locations
  • Refer A Patient
  • Request Appointment
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Online
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
Allergies, Asthma, English, Health

Collegebound? Important Steps for Those with Allergies and Asthma

college-student-with-asthma

The summer before your teen heads off to college is full of checklists. However, if your child has environmental allergies, asthma, and/or a food allergy, there are important items that should be on the list. For some young adults, this may be the first time they will be away from home for an extended period. Newfound freedoms also equal new responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing one’s health. Now is the time to prepare for a successful and safe transition to college life.

Here is a checklist to help with the preparation:

1. PLAN A VISIT TO YOUR CHILD’S ALLERGIST NOW.
At your appointment, discuss symptom control for nasal allergies and asthma. Your allergist will adjust treatment plans if needed.

  • Make sure asthma and anaphylaxis action plans are updated and available to your child.
  • This also may be a good time to have your son or daughter re-tested for their food allergies. Some children may outgrow their allergy to certain foods, and it is essential for proper management to have updated testing.
  • Check expiration dates on epinephrine auto-injectors and refill any medications.
  • If your child’s treatment plan includes allergy immunotherapy, speak with your allergist and asthma specialist in Texas about options for continuing your allergy shots while at college. Your vials may be transferred to another medical provider in the area who can administer the injections.

2. IDENTIFY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND PHARMACIES IN THE AREA.
Identify campus health facilities and make sure your child knows how to access care. Many schools will go over what services are offered during orientations. If the facilities accept insurance, make sure they have their health insurance card. Having a list of all medications can be helpful as well. Identify a local pharmacy in the event a prescription needs to be filled.

3. REVIEW SCHOOL AND RESIDENCE POLICIES FOR MANAGING ALLERGIC DISEASES AND ASTHMA.
Many families evaluate colleges based on their accommodations, especially for a child with a food allergy. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offers a list of questions you may want to ask Disability Services, Dining Services, and Housing Services as you make your decisions.

Once your child is away at school, they must take charge of communicating their needs. Help them practice informing roommates, faculty, restaurants, and food service personnel. Some residence halls have shared kitchens, so you should ask about cleaning procedures and discuss how to limit cross-contamination. When eating out, some students like to use ‘chef cards’ to communicate their allergen needs.

Consider touring your school’s food facilities and ask questions before students arrive. Reassure your teen that food allergies are not uncommon, and most schools have policies and programs in place to support their students with a food allergy.
Most importantly, if your child is at risk for a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, continue to stress the importance of always having immediate access to an epinephrine auto-injector.

With proper preparation, most accommodations can be met for students with allergic diseases and asthma, allowing for a safe and enjoyable college experience!

Your AllergySA providers and staff are here to help you prepare for the next chapter in your child’s life. Please let us know how we can help. Additional resources:

  • FARE’s Preparing for College Resource Guide
  • Allergic Living’s Resource – College with Food Allergies, Lessons Learned

 

July 19, 2023/by Kayla Gomez
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://4xz24f.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-950689732.jpg?time=1700676084 1414 2121 Kayla Gomez https://4xz24f.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/allergysa-logo-accredited.png Kayla Gomez2023-07-19 13:44:292023-07-19 13:44:29Collegebound? Important Steps for Those with Allergies and Asthma

BLOG CATEGORIES

  • Allergies (38)
  • Asthma (3)
  • English (57)
  • Health (50)
  • Illness (10)
  • News (7)
  • Recipes (10)
  • Spanish (6)
  • Uncategorized (1)
  • YouTube (3)

BLOG ARCHIVES

  • September 2023 (1)
  • July 2023 (2)
  • May 2023 (3)
  • March 2023 (1)
  • January 2023 (1)
  • December 2022 (1)
  • November 2022 (2)
  • October 2022 (2)
  • September 2022 (2)
  • March 2022 (1)
  • August 2021 (1)
  • July 2021 (1)
  • June 2021 (1)
  • May 2021 (1)
  • March 2021 (2)
  • January 2021 (1)
  • December 2020 (1)
  • November 2020 (1)
  • May 2020 (1)
  • March 2020 (1)
  • February 2020 (2)
  • October 2019 (1)
  • September 2019 (2)
  • August 2019 (3)
  • July 2019 (1)
  • April 2019 (3)
  • January 2019 (5)
  • May 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (1)
  • May 2017 (1)
  • April 2017 (1)
  • February 2017 (1)
  • December 2016 (1)
  • November 2016 (1)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • June 2016 (4)
  • May 2016 (6)
  • April 2016 (3)
  • January 2015 (1)

LOCATION INFORMATION

Medical Center

2424 Babcock Road, Suite 301
San Antonio, TX 78229

Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Allergy Shot Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:15pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Friday: 8:00am – 11:40am
Saturday: 8:00am – 11:40am

Stone Oak

19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250
San Antonio, TX 78258

Stone Oak AllergySA - 19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250, San Antonio, TX 78258
Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Allergy Shot Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 4:40pm

Southside

7500 Barlite Blvd #106
San Antonio, TX 78224

South Side - AllergySA.com - 7500 Barlite Blvd #106, San Antonio, TX 78224
Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Allergy Shot Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Friday: 8:00am – 11:40am

CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE: (210) 616-0882  | FAX: (210) 692-7833

© Copyright - AllergySA.com | Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates of South Texas
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Summer Asthma Managementgirl-with-summer-asthmaWhy You Should Get Your Flu Shot
Scroll to top