Teens With Allergies and Asthma: Start Prepping Now for College
Conversation with your allergist helps transition to new environment.
- Find an Allergist
- Symptom Test
- Ask the Allergist
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL (May 3, 2016) – You’re a teenager with allergies or asthma and later this year you’ll be heading off to college. You may be thinking, “I have tons of time to get myself together before I leave.” Not so much. Start now to consider how you’ll shift gears.
Being in a new location with new risky behaviors can negatively impact your health and increase your risk for ingesting food allergens and exposure to allergy and asthma triggers. A new article in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) offers practical tips on how to successfully make the transition.
“For most teens, going away to college marks their first time living independently,” says allergist David Stukus, MD, member of the ACAAI Public Relations Committee and author of the article. “In addition to moving to a new place, many must learn to manage their own schedule, diet, exercise and health. Young people may find their allergies and asthma neglected due to other, seemingly more important demands on their attention.”
According to Dr. Stukus, late spring is a good time to see your current allergist about your move because some of the changes you’ll be making could take a while. Make an appointment and go over these seven things during your visit:
More tips from Dr. Stukus:
To find an allergist in your new location, use the ACAAI allergist locator. An allergist can make recommendations specific to your allergy and asthma needs.