Author: Yukniewicz, Lori

Nurse’s News

It’s Spring the season for the sneezing!
How you can tell the difference between a cold and a suspected allergy, these are allergy symptoms:
Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks
Symptoms that develop at the same time every year
Runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, throat clearing, nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, itchy eyes, runny eyes
Itchy throat or tingling in the throat & mouth is a classic indicator of an allergen
Recurrent red, itchy, dry skin
Dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion
You can help to control reactions to allergens. Avoidance of the suspected allergen is the best way to prevent a reaction. Other recommendations for minimizing exposure to environmental allergy causing substances include:
Keep pets out of certain rooms, like your child’s room
Remove carpets or rugs
Remove heavy drapes and other dust collecting items
Clean frequently
Keep windows closed when pollen is at its peak
Change clothing and wash face and hands after having been outdoors
Mow the lawn when children are inside or away from the home
Keep exhaust fans in working order in mold prone bathrooms,
Keep bathrooms clean and dry
Wash face and hands after coming inside, leave outer jackets in garage turned inside out to prevent pollen entering the home.
If your child requires an antihistamine or other allergy medication while at school please send in the permission to dispense medication form signed by your child’s physician available on my webpage with the medication.
Helpful websites for allergy information
http://www.pollen.com
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com
http://www.kidshealth.org
http://www.healthychildren.org