If your child is having an allergic reaction to food, insect bites, bee stings, medication, or to something unknown, here is some preliminary information on what to do:
- For HIVES, swelling, or any type of itchy skin rash, you can give a dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to minimize the reaction. You will find a dosing chart by searching Benadryl on AskDrSears.com for kids two years and older. For infants and toddlers, you must ask your doctor for the dosing. Do not give an infant benadryl without asking your doctor. The dose I tell my own patients is 2.5 ml (equal to 6.25 mg) for infants who are about 6 to 11 months old and weigh 14 to 19 pounds. Toddlers who are 12 to 24 months old and weight 20 to 25 pounds the dose would be 3.75 ml (equal to about 10 mg). Kids who are 2 years and older, and who weight 27 pounds or more would get 5 ml (12.5 mg). Never give this medication to an infant or toddler without asking a medical professional. See dosing chart on AskDrSears.com for more dosing info.
- If this helps, then you don’t need to rush to an ER. Read more about how to solve the cause of hives on AskDrSears.com.
- ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION. If you have an epinephrine prescription, have been trained in how to use it, and your child is having severe anaphylaxis, go ahead and use this and call 911. If you don’t have this medication, call 911 and seek emergency help as quickly as possible. Signs of anaphylaxis include throat closing, difficulty getting air, and severe sudden wheezing. Other signs including uncontrolled vomiting, severe drooling, inability to swallow, severe lethargy, or shock, especially if also having difficulty breathing. Simple facial swelling or hives around the head, neck, or chest WITHOUT any of the above anaphylactic signs is likely NOT anaphylaxis and can be treated with Benadryl.
