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Illness


 

If you believe your child is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911. 

ALLERGIES (ALLERGIC RHINITIS)

Introduction:

  • Allergic Rhinitis is very common and is also known as nasal allergies. If allergy symptoms occur only at certain times of the year, such as the spring or fall, this is known as seasonal nasal allergies or "hayfever" If allergy symptoms occur all year long, this is called perennial nasal allergies.

Causes/Triggers of Allergies:

  • Pollen
  • House-dust mites
  • Mold
  • Animals

Symptoms:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose
  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Red eyes
  • Darkening under the eyes (allergic shiners)
  • Swollen eyes
  • Dark crease below the bridge of the nose (allergic salute)

Treatment:

Prevention

  • Prevention is very important. Try to avoid exposure to the avoid triggers.
  • Keep car and house windows closed during high pollen seasons and use air conditioning.
  • After playing outside, take a shower or bath and wash the hair. Pollen can collect on skin and hair.
  • Keep kitchens, bathrooms, and basements well ventilated to reduce humidity and mold.
  • Keep pets out of a child's bedroom, and wash cats/dogs weekly to limit pet dander.
  • Remove carpets and rugs from a child's room and replace them with hardwood floors or tiles.
  • Cover mattresses, box springs, and pillows in allergy-proof covers.
  • Wash sheets and blankets weekly in hot water.
  • Vacuum floors and dust surfaces weekly.

Medications

  • There are several possible medications that can be used.
  • Antihistamines (Claritin, Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Allegra) relieve symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
  • Leukotriene blockers (Singulair) relieve symptoms of sneezing and stuffy, runny, or itchy nose.
  • Nasal sprays (Flonase, Rhinocort, Nasonex) relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
  • Decongestants relieve nasal congestion.
  • Some children receive allergy shots.

Call the office for the following:

  • If you want to make an allergy appointment to discuss your child's symptoms
  • If the above prevention methods are not working.
  • If you feel your child may benefit from daily medication.

Resources:

  • Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics [www.aanma.org]
  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology [www.aaaai.org]
  • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America [www.aafa.org
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