Going to college can be fun and exciting, however, for asthma and allergy sufferers, it should be a time to take charge of your own medications.
Leaving home to attend college does not mean that asthma and allergy sufferers can leave behind the responsibilities of taking care of their problems.
By continuing to take their medication and following their treatment plan, allergic and asthmatic students can take control of their condition and enjoy their college experience.
ASTHMA sufferers should take these steps to prepare for college:
Make an appointment with your allergist before leaving for college.
Refill your prescriptions and have your doctor find a local allergist for you while at college
Complete an asthma action plan and provide a copy for your roommate or hall director
Request a smoke-free room and roommate, smoke is a trigger for most people with asthma.
Try to avoid social situations where you will be exposed to smoke.
ALLERGIES can make you miserable. Here are some helpful hints:
Keep dorm room clutter to a minimum and try to limit upholstered furniture or rugs as these are filled with allergens.
Dorm life breeds mold, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. Keep your room clean and free of these triggers, remember to vacuum and dust often.
Encase bedding with dust mite proof covers, wash sheets and blankets weekly in hot water.
Keep track of high pollen and mold counts in your area each day. Watch the weather of TV.
Take medications as prescribed by your physician and store them in a safe place.
FOOD ALLERGIES are dangerous.
Let your roommate and resident assistant know what foods you are allergic to and ways of identifying an allergic reaction.
Ask your roommate not to eat foods that you are allergic to in your room.
Check with the Health Center for the closest hospital in case of emergencies.
Teach your roommate how to use an Epi-pen and carry it with you at all times.
Be cautious when eating in the cafeteria for foods are easily cross-contaminated.
Speak with the cafeteria manager to see if there are dishes that you might specifically need to avoid.
For more information, see www.aaaai.org on the Freshman 15 Top Tips. Don't forget to see your allergist before coming to school.