ALLERGIES

Allergy Symptoms

* constant runny  or 'stuffy' nose
sniffling
* excessive throat clearing
* red &/or puffy &/or watery &/or itchy eyes
* dark circles under eyes
* swelling in the yes, face, lips, hands, feet or genitals
* headaches
* itchiness
* coughing, wheezing
* skin rashes/hives/eczema
* abdominal cramping
* nausea
* vomiting
* diarrhea
* drowsiness
* difficulty breathing (anaphylactic reaction)

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What is 'Anaphylactic Reaction'?
A sudden, severe allergic response that produces breathing difficulties,
and can result in collapse and possible death.  Initial signs can be tingling lips,
mouth and throat, a feeling of tightness in throat, flushing of skin colour (esp. face)
weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
Symptoms usually occur within minutes following exposure with the allergen and
symptoms proceed rapidly. Reactions tend to be faster and more severe with
each exposure.
Anaphylactic Reaction must be treated immediately - this is when an EpiPen® is
crucial! The person having the reaction may not be able to administer it
themselves, so anyone that is in regular contact with the child should be aware
of how to administer the EpiPen® - and it should be with the child at all times.
an EpiPen® is a prepackaged injection contain adrenaline.
When 911 is  called - inform that an EpiPen® has been administered.

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****Wear a Medic-Alert® bracelet

Always carry your EpiPen® - it is a good idea to have more then one,
one at the child's school, one at home and one on the child at all times.

****Remember to check your EpiPen® for expiry date!!

***** EpiPen Jr.® may not be enough for child over 33 pounds!
Check with your doctor!

Some children do outgrow food allergies, especially if
the allergies started before 3 years old. Some allergies
will not go away. Often peanuts, nuts and fish allergies do not go
away.

Often  a food has to be eaten more then once before an allergy appears.
There may be no reaction the first time a child eats a certain food
(i.e.. peanuts) but if an allergy develops, eating it again may bring on a
reaction.  The first reaction acts as a warning - reactions after the first time
can be more serious - even fatal!