Need quickie relief for child's allergic reaction

Nurses General Nursing

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Trey went upstairs to play with the neighbor's and came home with super red, swollen eyes and he says they are itchy...I'm assuming it must be some sort of allergic reaction...what can I do for him besides a cool cloth on his eyes?

Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

You could try benadryl for short term relief, but it will probably make him tired. I don't know how old your son is so you might want check with his doc to make sure benadryl is ok...You also might want to try and find out whether it is a seasonal type allergy or allergy to animals/food etc for future reference.

leslie :-D

11,191 Posts

kimmy,

put a call into the doctor and talk to someone there. if it's truly an allergic reaction, then benadryl would be a consideration BUT get the order from the doctor. just monitor him to make sure it doesn't get worse.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

My step daughter had the same thing happen to her. We called the doctor and ended up doing Zyrtec(RX) twice a day. And ended up clearing up rather quickly.

Energizer Bunny

1,973 Posts

Thanks guys...it seems to be getting better now that he is away from the cat. This is the only thing we can think that could have caused it because he was petting her and said he rubbed his eyes. It wasn't something that happened as soon as he went up there...it was when he was around the cat, it seems. I think I will put in a call to the dr. anyways. (he's almost five by the way and had his checkup today of all days! LOL!) Thanks again!

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

49 Articles; 5,349 Posts

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Be on the alert for anaphylaxis and watch your child's airway. If he starts developing any breathing problems or swelling around the mouth or throat, get him to an emergency room immediately.

Energizer Bunny

1,973 Posts

Ah crud...I just remembered that they don't have anyone really "on call". I think you actually have to have an emergency and this really isn't one, is it? Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow..you guys think it would be okay?

Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

I would make sure he changes clothes and takes a good shower. If the swelling is decreasing you should be ok. If it gets worse at all call. Also keep in mind the reason for the shower and change of clothes.....cat dander is not like dust or dog dander. It is sticky and may linger.

IamRN

303 Posts

Ah crud...I just remembered that they don't have anyone really "on call". I think you actually have to have an emergency and this really isn't one, is it? Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow..you guys think it would be okay?

I would think that the possibility of an anaphalaxis reaction is a true emergency. I don't hesitate to call. OTOH, you could always call the "ask a nurse" line if there is one available. The pedi's that see my children have their phones forwarded to them. They will triage and call MD if/when necessary.

Our son got stung by a scorpion when he was about six months old. He was put on Benadryl, but we were informed to still watch out for an anaphalactic reaction.

Dixielee, BSN, RN

1,222 Posts

Specializes in ER.

Allergic reactions are very common and fortunately anaphalaxis is rare. Every household should have childrens and adult benadryl around. If you go hiking, camping or vacationing take it with you. I can't tell you how many people come to the ER for a minor allergic reaction that could have been handled quickly with a dose or 2 of benadryl. Obviously if the situation worsens and the person should develop increasing hives/whelps, shortness of breath, feeling that the airway was closing then you are talking about a life threatening situation and quick action should be taken. But most reactions can be reversed if benadryl is given early enough. Unfortunately the allergen can outlast the allergy medication and it may need to be repeated every 4-6 hours for 24 hours or so. Also in the ER we always give zantac or pepcid along with the benadryl as it potentiates the other meds. In some cases steroids may be needed, but certainly not always.

BRANDY LPN

408 Posts

I would make sure he changes clothes and takes a good shower. If the swelling is decreasing you should be ok. If it gets worse at all call. Also keep in mind the reason for the shower and change of clothes.....cat dander is not like dust or dog dander. It is sticky and may linger.

That was gonna be my suggestion along with a dose of benedryl. I would wait to see if he was going to get better with meds and a shower before I called the ER, but if his symptoms are not relieved, or get worse I would take him in.

Quailfeather

63 Posts

Hi CNM2B ~ I have the same reaction that you described when I pet my cats and inadvertantly rub my eyes. I have known for a long time that I am allergic to cats, but that doesn't stop me from sharing my home with two indoor Burmese kitties. I just have to be careful about keeping them away from my face. One thing that works great for me when I do get a reaction is allergy eye drops. One drop in each eye clears the symptoms within minutes without having to resort to systemic antihistamines. The brand I use is Bausch and Lomb Opcon-A. However, they advise not to use the drops on children under 6 unless directed by a physician.

I hope Trey feels better soon.

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