ALLERGIES
Many kids have allergies. Some of them are severe, even life-threatening. Others are relatively minor, and don’t cause anything more than a stuffy nose. The way that you and your child should prepare for camp depends on the severity of the allergy and on the allergen (what your child is allergic to). When kids understand their allergy and how to deal with it, it doesn’t keep them from having fun.
Some allergens are easy to avoid. For example, kids allergic to strawberries can simply avoid strawberries and strawberry products, such as strawberry jam. Most camps are happy to provide some alternative, such as grape jelly. Other
allergens are harder to avoid. For example, some kids who are allergic to peanuts must avoid peanuts, peanut butter, all foods made with peanut butter or cooked in peanut oil, and any other foods or utensils that have peanut residue on them. Some people are so allergic to peanuts that they get hives if they eat jelly from a jar into which someone has dipped a peanut-buttery knife. It’s not easy to avoid that sort of thing at camp, but kids with serious allergies need to learn how. After you’ve chosen a camp, talk with the director about your child’s allergy before opening day. Find out how the camp and kitchen staff can assist your child in avoiding certain allergens.
Some allergens are impossible to avoid. There are minor ones, such as dust. Kids who are allergic to dust may use nasal sprays or oral medication to avoid congestion and other symptoms. Be sure to bring these medicines to camp. Other allergies that are impossible to avoid can have severe symptoms. For example, kids who are allergic to bees may have trouble breathing after they are stung. Although the camp has an obligation to provide the highest quality treatment to your child in the event of any emergency, kids with severe allergies also need to learn how to treat themselves. Before opening day, these kids should practice their response to severe symptoms, such as how to use an EpiPen® or an AnaKit®. When you meet with the camp nurse or doctor on opening day, discuss your child’s allergies and allergy medications.
A final note on allergies: Because someone who doesn’t know your child’s medical history may have to help in an emergency, kids with severe symptoms should wear a MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace. The information on MedicAlert® tags can help an adult respond with the right kind of first aid, should it be necessary.
ASTHMA
Asthma, which is caused by inflammation or narrowing of the airway, is the most common chronic illness in children. About 4% of U.S. children are affected. Psychological factors, such as anxiety, and environmental agents, such as cold air, can make it worse. The symptoms of an asthmatic episode include wheezing and coughing. Because physical exercise sometimes induces an episode, kids with asthma are usually free to carry inhalers with them around camp. Generally, using an inhaler opens up the airway, and the symptoms go away.
If your child has asthma, be sure he knows how and when to use his inhaler, as well as his other asthma medications. Caring for asthma can be a drag, so consult your health care professional if your child has trouble adhering to his treatment regimen. Bring an extra inhaler to camp (for the medical staff to keep), along with a nebulizer, if your child uses one. Clearly label the inhalers, and other equipment, in case it’s found somewhere around camp. As with any medical condition, be sure to discuss your child’s symptoms and treatment with the camp health center staff and with your child’s cabin leader. Kids with mild or moderate asthma generally do fine at any overnight camp. If your child’s symptoms are unusually severe, or if he is struggling to cope with the impact of his illness, consider one of the many special needs camps designed for kids with asthma.
Many kids have allergies. Some of them are severe, even life-threatening. Others are relatively minor, and don’t cause anything more than a stuffy nose. The way that you and your child should prepare for camp depends on the severity of the allergy and on the allergen (what your child is allergic to). When kids understand their allergy and how to deal with it, it doesn’t keep them from having fun.
Some allergens are easy to avoid. For example, kids allergic to strawberries can simply avoid strawberries and strawberry products, such as strawberry jam. Most camps are happy to provide some alternative, such as grape jelly. Other
Some allergens are impossible to avoid. There are minor ones, such as dust. Kids who are allergic to dust may use nasal sprays or oral medication to avoid congestion and other symptoms. Be sure to bring these medicines to camp. Other allergies that are impossible to avoid can have severe symptoms. For example, kids who are allergic to bees may have trouble breathing after they are stung. Although the camp has an obligation to provide the highest quality treatment to your child in the event of any emergency, kids with severe allergies also need to learn how to treat themselves. Before opening day, these kids should practice their response to severe symptoms, such as how to use an EpiPen® or an AnaKit®. When you meet with the camp nurse or doctor on opening day, discuss your child’s allergies and allergy medications.
A final note on allergies: Because someone who doesn’t know your child’s medical history may have to help in an emergency, kids with severe symptoms should wear a MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace. The information on MedicAlert® tags can help an adult respond with the right kind of first aid, should it be necessary.
ASTHMA
Asthma, which is caused by inflammation or narrowing of the airway, is the most common chronic illness in children. About 4% of U.S. children are affected. Psychological factors, such as anxiety, and environmental agents, such as cold air, can make it worse. The symptoms of an asthmatic episode include wheezing and coughing. Because physical exercise sometimes induces an episode, kids with asthma are usually free to carry inhalers with them around camp. Generally, using an inhaler opens up the airway, and the symptoms go away.
If your child has asthma, be sure he knows how and when to use his inhaler, as well as his other asthma medications. Caring for asthma can be a drag, so consult your health care professional if your child has trouble adhering to his treatment regimen. Bring an extra inhaler to camp (for the medical staff to keep), along with a nebulizer, if your child uses one. Clearly label the inhalers, and other equipment, in case it’s found somewhere around camp. As with any medical condition, be sure to discuss your child’s symptoms and treatment with the camp health center staff and with your child’s cabin leader. Kids with mild or moderate asthma generally do fine at any overnight camp. If your child’s symptoms are unusually severe, or if he is struggling to cope with the impact of his illness, consider one of the many special needs camps designed for kids with asthma.
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