Is your kid starting college this fall? Congratulations!
College is such an exciting journey and an opportunity for more life experiences for your kid. But as your kid finds her/his way around the campus, makes new friends, and settles in her/his dorm, have you checked if it is ready for her/his allergies?
Dormitories can be a breeding ground for known allergens. So, before your kid get fully settled, make sure you both check for:
Dust mites
A snoring roommate can be annoying, but you know what’s worse? Dust mites. They can make you itch, sneeze, and sniffle. Plus, if you have asthma, they can trigger your asthma attack, causing you to have problems with breathing.
These small creatures are often found in the mattresses, curtains, and carpets. If you spot them, ask the resident advisor to get the place cleaned before you move in.
For your mattress and pillow, make sure you use protective covers and washable bedding. And don’t forget to wash them at least once a week in hot water (at least 130F).
Mold
Mold thrives in moist places. If you have a sink or adjoining bathroom, check for leaks and have them fixed. If you see mold in the room, contact a specialist to have them removed.
Just like with dust mites, mold in your room can also trigger an allergic reaction and can cause sneezing, sniffles, and itchiness.
Cockroaches
With things including food being brought in and out of your room, it is not unlikely to spot roaches in a dorm room. The bodies and droppings of these nasty insects can trigger allergies.
If you spot them, seek help from a roach removal company immediately. You can keep them in control by using roach baits and making sure you clean your room and take your trash out regularly.
Poor air quality
If you have asthma, bad air quality in your room can easily trigger an attack.
Don’t know how to get a good check on that? You can buy an indoor air quality monitor or call an air quality professional.
Checking for mold, regulating your room’s air temperature, skipping strong scents, and avoiding vaping/smoking are also helpful in keeping good air quality in your dorm room.
Strong scents
Whether it’s your roommate’s scented candles or heavy cologne, strong scents are known to trigger allergies and asthma attacks. If your roommate is the source of these strong scents, you can explain these to her/him and hopefully, be able to help you out. If not, then be open to request another roommate.
College is a great opportunity for your kid’s future and you would want her/him to feel her/his best as she’s/he’s working towards it.
For more tips and suggestions on how to manage your kid’s allergies, you can talk to our specialists at Greater Knoxville ENT. We have allergy specialists who can advise you on what to do and what not to keep your kid’s allergies under control. For appointments, you can call us at (865) 521-8050.