The Poison Post® June 2012 Edition

The Poison Post®

National Capital Poison Center June 2012 Edition

Safe Use of Antihistamines

Are you are one of the 50 million people in the U.S. with allergies? Do you suffer with coughing, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat? If so, you may take antihistamines to treat your symptoms.

Bee Stings: "Ordinary" Sting or Allergic Reaction?

Lots of people call the poison center after being stung. They worry that they're having an allergic reaction because the pain, itching, and swelling are so alarming. How can you tell the difference between a miserable sting and an actual allergic reaction?

Toddlers and Birth Control Pills

Worried parents often call the poison center about small children who swallowed birth control pills. Some of these parents panic - especially if the toddler is a little boy. Usually, they are surprised to learn that swallowing birth control pills is...

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Cocoa Bean Mulch Can Poison Dogs

Cocoa bean mulch smells like chocoloate - to humans and to dogs. The mulch does indeed come from cocoa beans, from which we get chocolate (The mulch is made from the shells). Most dog owners know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spider bites can be dangerous, especially to young children and elderly people. Some pest control operators are reporting an increased number of these spiders this season, probably because of the mild winter we've just had.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Your child is foaming at the mouth! Chances are he got into the hydrogen peroxide bottle. And, chances are he will be perfectly fine...even though all of those bubbles look scary. Hyrdogen peroxide is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and the ...

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