15 tips for students with allergies

"For most teens, going away to college marks their first time living independently," says allergist David Stukus, MD, from the College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

"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."

Despite the risks, your condition doesn’t have to completely disrupt your dreams for the future. Putting a proper allergy or asthma plan in place is a good place to start.

Dr. Stukus suggests 15 ways you can manage your allergies at university:

- Review your asthma and/or anaphylaxis emergency plan and make sure it's up to date. 

- Be sure that you have a referral to a local allergist near your university

- Supply your new allergist with copies of your medical records, including test results and prescriptions. 

- Keep a list of all your current medications and dosages on you (ie: in your wallet).

- Ensure your prescriptions are sent to a new pharmacy in your area 

- Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date

- Familiarise yourself with hospitals in your area and keep the contact details for emergency services on you at all times.

- Provide your university, resident assistant and roommates with a list of current allergens you need to avoid.

- Tour the kitchen and meet with the chef to discuss safe food preparation.

- Consider getting a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace to help others understand your allergic triggers.

- Look into new apps and technology that can help you manage allergies and asthma.

- Check the expiration date on your epinephrine auto injector and/or rescue inhaler and keep them with you at all times.

- Find out if your residence hall is near a major road as pollutants might affect your asthma.

- Ask if you'll have direct access to replaceable filtration if your dorm room has forced air heat.

- Inquire if your dorm room has air conditioning. Open dorm windows expose you to more pollen.

Read more:

What are allergies?

Risk factors for allergies 

Preventing allergic reactions

Source:

^{American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 03 May 2016. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-05/acoa-twa042716.php}