Allergic Reaction to Insect Bite or Sting Signs of an Allergic Reaction Swollen hands and eyelids Wheezing Hive-like rash. How to React If your child has localized swelling around the sting site, apply ice and wait before calling your doctor. If a severe allergic reaction is going to occur, expect it to happen within an […]
Situations That Are Probably Not Allergies
5 Common Situations That Are Probably Not Allergies The following are common situations that parents often feel are due to allergies, but may be due to other non-serious causes and are not allergies: “Doctor, my child had a bad cold with fevers 4 weeks ago, and STILL has a stuffy nose and a cough at […]
Track and Prevent Allergies
5 Steps to Track and Prevent Allergies Now we’re ready to really get down to business. The following 5 steps will help you determine what’s causing the allergies and how to prevent exposure to the allergens. Step 1 – Determine When and Where the Allergy Symptoms are Occurring Nighttime and upon waking – if your child […]
Treating Allergies
Treating Allergies Techniques Dr. Sears advises for treating allergies: a daily “nose hose” and “steam clean” is a must for clearing stuffy nasal passages. A “nose hose” and “steam clean” – flushing the nose two or three times a day with nasal saline spray and gently blow the nose. Facial steamers are a good alternative […]
5 Possible Hidden Medical Causes of Colic
In general, a medical cause is likely if the so-called colic isn’t getting better by four months and your intuition tells you that your baby is in pain. Suspect a medical cause for colic if baby is: Getting worse or not gradually getting better Awakening frequently with painful cries Unable to be consoled Not thriving: […]
Baby Won’t Sleep
Why Baby Won’t Sleep I often get questions from parents about why their baby won’t sleep. A baby that wakes constantly throughout the night and is not easily comforted can be very concerning for a parent. This is a question recently asked of me at my practice: My three-month-old is constantly waking up during the […]
More Sleep-safe Precautions
Do’s and Don’ts For Sleep-safe Precautions Besides the crib safety precautions, to increase your baby’s chances of a safe night’s sleep, observe these do’s and don’ts: DO’S: Place baby to sleep on her back or side, whichever way she seems to sleep the best. Spread sheets and under sheets smoothly and tuck them in tightly […]
Antihistamine & Decongestant
Recommended brands: Vick’s Children’s DayQuil Allergy (6 months and up) With a Fever reducer: Children’s Tylenol Cold Liquid (6 months and up) Children’s Tylenol Cold Chewables (2 years and up) When to Use Runny nose, nasal congestion, chest congestion, and fever. I only use a combination medication like this if my child’s symptoms are interfering […]
Decongestant Nose Spray
Suggested uses: Severe nasal congestion, stubborn nosebleeds. Decongestant nose sprays can quickly open congested nasal passages caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections. I think of these sprays as a “quick-fix” when I am miserably congested, especially when trying to fall asleep. Decongestant nose sprays are only for short-term use, though, as there is a […]
Medications to Treat Coughs and Colds
Medication Information to Treat Coughs and Colds Many parents have stood in the cold medicine aisle at the drug store and stared for hours at the hundreds of different options. Choosing between cough suppressants, expectorants, antihistamines, and decongestants, or any possible combination of these, can be confusing. Here is a guideline for help to treat […]
3 Steps to Diagnosing Asthma
Signs and Symptoms to Watch for when diagnosing Asthma 1. Diagnosing Asthma begins with determine what type it may be. If your child has asthma, she will generally fit into one of the first three types of asthma as described here. Consider each of the following scenarios and see if you think your child fits […]
Treating Asthma
Preventing, Maintaining and Treating Asthma Read on to learn about treating asthma including allergy prevention, asthma medications, methods for administering inhaled medications and which method is best for your child. Allergy Prevention Some forms of asthma, as described above, may be caused by allergies to substances in the environment such as: dust, mold, cigarette smoke, […]