Page 41 - GreenBook

Plants pollinate at different times of the year. Tree pollens are highest in the
spring, grass pollens in the early summer and weed pollens in the late summer
and fall. It is not possible to avoid pollens completely.

2. How to Reduce Exposure to Pollens
• Keep windows closed when pollen counts are high. Use an air
conditioner especially in bedrooms if possible.

f*! * 0 0 not dry clothing or bedding outside.
• If outside for long periods when pollen counts are high have your child
shower and change clothing.
• Have your child stay indoors when the lawn is being mowed and when

^ pollen counts are high.

3. Insect Allergies
Stings from insects such as bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets may cause
allergic reactions. Allergic reactions affect the whole body rather than just the
site of the sting. If your child is having swelling anywhere other than the sting,
hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowing seek medical help

immediately.

4. Food Allergies
Very few children have true allergies to foods. Children sometimes have
intolerances that cause vomiting or diarrhea. True allergic reactions to food

^ usually manifest as hives, eczema, wheezing or nasal congestion. If you think
that your child might be allergic to a food call our office. Foods such as nuts or
shellfish can cause a severe allergic reaction that needs to be treated as an
emergency. If your child has swelling of the tongue or lips or difficulty breathing

^ or swallowing seek medical help immediately.

5. Allergy Medications
Deconaestant (Dseudoeohedrine. ohenvleohrine) helps to dry up a runny or
••I stuffy nose. This will sometimes help a cough if it is due to post-nasal drip. Side
effects include drowsiness or irritability and dry mouth.

Antihistamines (diohenhvdramine. bromoheniramine. chloroheniramine. and

Pi! others) help to dry up a runny or stuffy nose due to allergy. They may also
relieve other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itchy
throat. Side effects include drowsiness or occasionally agitation. Loratadine
and Cetirizine are over the counter, 24 hours, non-drowsy antihistamines that

pull work well for allergy symptoms.

C. ANIMAL BITES

m\ Ifyour child is bitten by an animal either wild or domestic the following procedure

should be followed.

1. Immediately wash the wound in warm soapy water, gently scrubbing the
injured area for at least 10 minutes.

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