Allergies
Antihistamines work to prevent or stop an allergic reaction. Some antihistamines are available over-the-counter, others are by prescription. Some older or “fi rst gen- eration” antihistamines such as diphen- hydramine may cause sleepiness and may interfere with your child’s activities or schoolwork. Newer antihistamines are less likely to cause side effects. While an- tihistamines may be the most commonly used medicine for allergic rhinitis, nasal steroids may be an even better option. As prescribed by your provider, nasal steroids are safe and effective and will not cause sleepiness or addiction. Deconges- tants and leukotriene modifi ers also may be prescribed to help with symptoms. Your provider will take into account your child’s allergies and symptoms, as well as your preferences regarding medicines and your insurance coverage to determine the best medicine plan. Usually allergy medicines work best when they are started ahead of the allergy season. Working with your provider to determine the start-up time for your child’s seasonal allergy medi- cine is important. It’s hard to play catch-up once the allergy symptoms start. Only you and your child will know if the medicines are helping, and it’s crucial to discuss their effects on the symptoms with your provider. Tell her if the symptoms are not improving once your child is getting the medicines as prescribed. Your provider might adjust your child’s medicine, prescribe different medicines, conduct further testing or recommend a visit with an allergist.
Allergists specialize in allergy and immunology. Regardless of your child’s
46
Every child
should feel good and be able to play, sleep and attend school
age, an allergist will work to understand your child’s allergy. Some kids may benefi t from allergy testing. Determining the specifi c allergens can help fi ne-tune your child’s allergy plan of care. When allergy symptoms are not controlled by avoidance or medicines, immunotherapy or “allergy shots” may be recommended as an effective, cost-effi cient, long-term treatment. Immunotherapy is a series of shots that can build up your child’s anti- bodies, so her body doesn’t over-react when exposed to the allergens. Every child should feel good and be able to play, sleep and attend school during every season. Sometimes a spring allergy is more than just a little sneeze.
Anne Borgmeyer, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC, AE-C, is a PNP at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, and works with children with asthma and allergies in the in-patient setting.
www.readysetgrowmag.com
ISTOCK.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108