It is a great day!  Your child is graduating from high school!  You are finally going to be an empty-nester.  You are looking ahead to being free (and your college student is as well).  Everyone is happy!  If you, like me, are taking your child to college this fall, you will want to ensure that they are safe and have everything they need.  If, however, you are the mother of a severely allergic or asthmatic child, you may want to start the process as soon as possible.

The first step is to ensure the issue, whether it is hives, environmental allergies, anaphylaxis or severe asthma, is in control.  You should not be worried that they are going to get in a flare from the outset because that is not control.

When you are visiting the campus, check out the student health center and ask questions.  Below are some questions you may want to ask:

  • What are the hours/days the student health center is open?
  • If my child stays on campus during a holiday or in the summer, are the hours different?
  • Is there a nurse or physician available to see my child in an emergency?
  • What can that staff do and do they have any limitations?
  • What if an emergency happens after hours, what are my child’s options?

You will want to make sure you child knows how to take care of themselves.  Here are some questions to ask:

  • Does your child anaphylaxis action plan or an asthma action plan and do they know how to use it?
  • Do they have all the medication mentioned on the emergency plan (inhalers, nebulizers, epinephrine autoinjector)?
  • Does your child know how to use all the medication mentioned on the emergency plan?
  • When does your child’s medication expire?
  • Does your child know where to go if they run out of medication?
  • Does your child know who to call if they have an increase of symptoms? Do they know when to make that call?
  • Has your child’s medication been renewed or the year?

There is a famous Chinese proverb that having a child is like allowing your heart to walk around outside your body.  This is for certain the truth, and it can be particularly anxiety-provoking if they have a chronic medical condition.

If you would like to be tested for asthma or allergies or believe you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and the staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help.

Dr. Wendt is a nationally recognized, board-certified Allergist-Immunologist and a best-selling author of What’s Eating Our Kids?  A Parent’s Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Toxicity.

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, DC Ranch and Grayhawk at 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, on the corners of Deer Valley and Scottsdale Roads, and has convenient evening and early morning hours to accommodate your schedule.

Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Insurance plans accepted. Call 480-500-1902 today to schedule an appointment now and begin your allergy testing and treatment with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com and FOLLOW US on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel and TikTok Channel for demonstrations on proper use of allergy and asthma devices, video education, and Dr. Wendt’s news interviews NOW!