Page 40 - GreenBook

V. PROBLEMS AND ILLNESS IN INFANCY AND

CHILDHOOD

A. Please call us if your newborn:
• has an increasing yeliow skin coior or the whites of the eyes
are yeliow
• has a fever (100.4 or above, rectaiiy)

• refuses to feed

• vomits excessiveiy
• is unusuaily sleepy or irritable or does not look well

B. ALLERGIES:
Allergies, or allergic reactions, are what happens when our natural body

defenses work too well. The immune system plays an important role in
defending the body against harmful substances. In children and adults who are
allergic, the immune system also attacks substances that most people find
harmless, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. In children allergies can
produce a runny, stuffy or itchy nose, wheezing, eczema, hives and red itchy

eyes.

Allergens are the substances that cause allergies. The most common allergens
are pollen, mold, pets, insects, dust and dust mites. Try to identify what is
causing your child's allergy. The most important part of any treatment is to help
your child avoid or at least reduce contact with the allergen.

1. How to Reduce Indoor Allergen Exposure (dust, dust mites,
mold and pets)

Use zippered vinyl covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs.
Use pillows made of synthetic material.
Cover beds and pillows with a bedspread and teach your child to make
his bed every day.
Replace carpets with hard surfaced floors (especially in bedrooms) that
can be wet mopped. If vacuuming use microfiltration bags.
Avoid clutter that is hard to dust and don't store things under the bed.
Dust with a damp cloth.
The ideal humidity is between 30-40 percent. Very high humidity

increases dust mites and mold.

To decrease humidity in the house use air conditioning, cover pans
when cooking, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
The soil of some houseplants grow mold and the leaves of houseplants

are an area where dust collects.

Check storage areas for mold and ventilate them well to discourage
mold growth.
Clean air conditioners and vaporizers frequently.
The best solution to pet allergies is to avoid them.
Keep pets outside as much as possible. Indoor pets should be kept out

of bedrooms.

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