Hi Parents,
My 6 year old has season allergies (from my side of the gene pool, alas), and we live in a pollen filled valley. I try to avoid prescriptions when not necessary, but he really suffers when the right/wrong thing is in bloom. I'd like to hear from some of you with young children who suffer from allergies, how you went about getting a good diagnosis and treatment, and what you and your child's experiences were like. I've tried some natural and generic over the counter children's allergy medicines, but have seen no effect. Meanwhile, he snuffles, sniffles, coughs and is generally a bit hyped up from lack of oxygen and effort, no doubt! I plan on seeing our pediatrician to work out a plan this week, but would love to have your input if you've been down this path.
Thank you.
Hello! My 3 year old has the same issues. It took awhile before I could find a doctor that could help him, b/c he has allergies and eczema really bad. He takes clarithromyc (oral medication) and I changed the typed of household products along w/ detergents that I used to try and keep his allergies under control.
If the over the counter stuff isn't working, you may have something else going on, like sinus infection or asthma for instance. I'd take them in to be tested if you haven't already. They will do blood panel tests to determnie exact allergens. They'll even check for food allergies (as they can cause these type of symptoms, as well as pets, not just pollens).
We are an allergy household. In the old days, Zyrtec and Claritin weren't over the counter...so you needed a prescription. Now you can get it yourself at the store with no perscription, so if you suspect seasonal allergies use these, as this is more than likely what the doctor will prescribe anyway. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. These drugs have a cummulative affect, and don't usually work effectively until after several days use.
Otherwise, I have no other advice other than to get medieval on your cleaning routine at home, and use Hepa filters in your vacuum and heating/cooling system. Use anti-allergen covers for your bed pillows and mattresses. Get room purifiers. Wash and brush pets if you have them. Avoid opening windows during pollen season. Have the kids shower everyday to get irritants off of them.
We aren't big fans of prescriptions either. We had to take our son in for hearing issues. Come to find out his hearing was being adversely affected by allergies. We were prescribed Nasonex and I was surprised at how quickly things improved. I was also surprised at how many things my son did that were related to his allergies (I just never made the connections before). I have been very pleased with the results.
My 6 year old just saw an allergist who gave her Nasonex, which has been a TREMENDOUS help! Her symptoms were completely gone within a few days of starting (one spray per nostril every 24 hours). It is a prescription. You can read my recent posts for all of the details.
u may want to go see an allergist and have them tested-it is quick and painless. We had to switch a few times and add some things-what works for one may not work for the other-both my kids take different meds and like some of the other posts mentioned-Nasonex or flonase is a life saver and does help. :) L.
Hi,
I, too, like to avoid prescription or OTC medications whenever possible. Last spring, my then five year old son had very bad seasonal or environmental allergies. I began giving him the following nutritional supplment that has quercetin and nettles in it.:
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/histablock-90-c...
I broke open the capsule and sprinkled it in a drink or in his cereal, applesauce, etc. It worked. I've even used it myself and recommended it to my Mom. It has worked for all of us.
Also, I'm reading a really interesting book right now called "Let's play doctor!" by Dr. Joel Wallach and I also listen to Pharmacist Ben Fuchs on the radio in the morning. Both of them talk about how sinus problems are an immune system response, and they also talk about how a large portion of your immune system is in your digestive tract. So, your son might also be suffering from food allergies. You can test this at home by using a Pulse test. When he gets up in the morning, you take his pulse. Then, feed him only the food that you suspect may be an allergen. Then, take his pulse again 15, 30 and 60 minutes later. If it goes up by 10 beats per minute, he is allergic and should avoid or rotate that food. Along those same lines, if he isn't fully digesting his food, that could also cause problems for his immune system. I also give my son digestive enzymes. Here they are:
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/proactazyme-100...
That may help also. Good luck!
C.
I found having my son bathe or just rinse off after being outside, and using zyrtec. Benedryl really is safe, only downside is either hyperactivity or drowsyness depending on the user. But it really truly is one of the safest products on the market. My son had chronic hives, he had to be on antihistamines daily for three years. We were most comfortable with Zyrtec, and benadryl. We also used Naosnex during his high seasonal allergies to help prevent ear infections. The are some really great safe allergy products out there, I to do not like using alot of meds, but feel that some are well within in my comfort zone.
We went to an allergist and had them tested. When OTC meds ( claritin, zyrtec, etc) didn't help they started flonase it is a life saver for my youngest but my 9 yr old still can't breath (he also has asthma) so he going to be getting allergy shots.
