Asthma and Dorm Living: A 12 Point Survival Guide for College Students With Asthma and Their Parents

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 1997 -- As students with asthma head off to college, the Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN/MA) offer a 12 Point Survival Guide for College Students With Asthma and Their Parents to ward off symptoms produced by allergens, irritants and respiratory illness associated with campus living:

1. Obtain an updated, written asthma management plan from your allergist before leaving for college. New medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and nonsedating antihistamines, fight symptoms without unwanted side effects, in particular the drowsiness associated with over-the-counter antihistamines.
   
   
2. Keep dorm room clutter to a minimum; no upholstered furniture or secondhand rugs as these are filled with allergens.
   
   
3. If you must share a bunk, take the top level to avoid inhaling the bedding dust from your roommate each night.
   
   
4. Use a HEPA room air filter, encase bedding with dust mite proof covers, and wash sheets and blankets weekly to keep your room as free of dust mites and other airborne particles as possible. Vacuum, (yes, vacuum) your dust mite proof covers once a month with a HEPA or other vacuum that traps allergens.
   
   
5. Avoid social situations where you know you will be exposed to cigarette or other types of smoke. Do not permit smoking in your room at any time.
   
   
6. Be good to your immune system; get your annual flu shot, wash your hands frequently, eat a balanced diet and get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
   
   
7. Store medications in a moisture proof container, such as a tackle box or make-up kit, with written instructions taped inside. Never leave your dorm room without a rescue medication in your pocket or book bag.
   
   
8. Use a holding chamber to ensure you inhale aerosol metered dose inhaler medications completely. Newer medications, such as breath-activated, dry powder multi dose preventive asthma medications are also available.
   
   
9. Take medications as prescribed by your physician and use a peak flow meter to measure changes in lung function daily.
   
   
10. Arrange for local medical care and locate the hospital nearest to your campus in case of emergency.
    
    
11. Arrange to continue allergy shots if prescribed by your physician.
    
    
12. Advise college administrators and health services of any special needs. Meet with professors to discuss attendance policies and ways to make up lost class time in the event of illness.
    
    

Dorm life breeds molds, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. Add liberal doses of perfumes, hair sprays, cigarette smoke and other irritants, and you have a recipe for breathing problems, particularly for those students with asthma and allergies.

Asthma is a serious, life threatening disease that causes the airways to become swollen and filled with fluid while muscles that wrap around the airways literally squeeze the breath out of its victims. Symptoms of asthma are usually progressive in response to triggers such as those commonly experienced as part of dorm living.

Symptoms can include coughing, breathlessness, wheezing, and/or sleepless nights. When symptoms become debilitating, students lack the energy needed to concentrate or attend classes, participate in athletics, and maintain a normal social life without putting their health at greater risk.

Nearly all students with asthma can make the successful transition to college living in spite of obvious challenges. However, students should expect to make a few adjustments, particularly to medications when exposed to concentrated "doses" of allergens, irritants, and germs associated with dorm living.

AAN/MA provides help to students as they learn to take responsibility for their daily health needs. AAN/MA carries a comprehensive array of books, pamphlets, videos, peak flow meters, holding chambers, and nebulizer supplies.

Poorly managed asthma during college can cost career choices and claim lives. Each year, students with asthma die; most often the deaths were preventable. The athlete who forgot to carry his inhaler while jogging; the 19 year old who collapsed and died in the front yard of a party she left because people were smoking; the honors student who became intoxicated, had an attack, passed out and died alone in his room while searching for his inhaler -- these tragedies can be avoided.

AAN/MA urges parents and college-bound students to take asthma and allergies seriously. To receive a free sample issue of AAN/MA's monthly newsletter, The MA Report, (which includes additional tips and information for college students with asthma as well as news about the first multi-dose, dry powder inhaled corticosteroid, and allergy proofing tips for the car), consumers can send a self addressed business size $0.55 stamped envelope to AAN/MA, College Bound, 3554 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 200, Fairfax, VA. 22030.

CONTACT: Nancy Sander of the Allergy and Asthma Network, 1-800-878-4403, ext. 111