Re: can we help a little 3yr old girl?..

Anne,

Make sure they are not giving her Benadryl or something similar for allergies.

My son had many ear infections and colds when he was young. I used to treat with OTC cold/cough medicines. A few years ago (when he was about 10), he had a terrible cold on a trip and I gave him a cold medicine. He then developed excruciating hives all over his body. We then gave him Benadryl, both orally and in the spray form (as prescribed by a Dr.).

This happened several more times - treat a cold, develop hives, treat with Benadryl - horrible hives continue for several weeks.

Well, I had read that OTC cough/cold medicines were no longer being recommended for young children because some were dying. The articles would always say that they probably died of accidental overdoses. I didn't really pay much attention, because my boys were now older and these articles pertained to very young children (under 4, I think).

Anyway, my point is that one day I saw another of these articles in the local newspaper warning to not give cough/cold medicine to young children because they could die and then it listed the most common side affect as hives. It came to me as if I had been struck by lightening - I immediately checked the Benadryl bottle and it had one of the same active ingredients as the cough/cold medicine.

It is now my belief that it was the cold medicine causing my son's hives and then I would CONTINUE to give him Benadryl, which continued to cause hives. Poor kid - idiot mother. Well, he has had several colds since and I have not given him any medication and NO HIVES.

Sorry so long and this may not pertain, but I feel very strongly that people should be aware of this connection.

I send love and good wishes to the little girl and her family. You are an angel to help.

Love, M. Tweet