Treating Kids' Allergies
from PlanetRx.com, your online pharmacy & more
Adults with allergies sometimes tough it out, if they know their allergy
season is limited or if they feel they can handle the sniffles and runny
eyes. But you can't take that same attitude with a child.
Respiratory allergies can lead to chronic conditions, which for kids can
mean ear infections, asthma, or altered facial structure caused by constant
mouth-breathing. Allergies can also make it hard for your child to concentrate,
to perform well academically and athletically, and to socialize.
If avoiding the allergen doesn't reduce your child's symptoms enough for
her to be comfortable, discuss with your doctor how the following medications
might help her cope.
- Antihistamines
and decongestants. Your pediatrician or allergist may start
with an over-the-counter medication combining an antihistamine (which
blocks the release of misery-inducing histamine) and a decongestant
(which shrinks nasal tissues to reduce congestion).
Many antihistamines cause drowsiness -- which could affect your child's
schoolwork and social life -- as well as dry mouth or constipation.
Nondrowsy prescription antihistamines are available for older children.
- Nasal
sprays. Simple over-the-counter saline solutions can work fine
as decongestants and have no side effects. Sprays with cromolyn sodium
(such as Nasalcrom
for Children) relieve inflammation without the drowsy side effects
of antihistamines. These must be used at least three times a day for
several months prior to your child's allergy season.
Other prescription sprays containing corticosteroids (such as Vancenase
and Beconase) also reduce inflammation in the nose. But some experts
caution that long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can cause growth
retardation in some children.
- Allergy shots. If medicines and staying clear of allergens
are not enough, immunotherapy regimes exist for ragweed, grass pollens,
dust mites, some molds, and cat and dog dander.
As with common childhood-disease vaccines, an allergist injects minute
quantities of the allergen your child is sensitive to under his skin,
which helps the immune system become desensitized to it. Your child
will have to go to the allergist at least once a week in the beginning,
and then once a month for several years after that.
Children younger than age 5 generally don't get allergy shots, since
many allergists fear their immune systems aren't strong enough to withstand
the introduction of an allergen. But older children are good candidates
for the treatment, and the best results for allergy shots are generally
in the age 5 to 25 age group.
Read more about kids and allergies in the PlanetRx.com  Health
eCenter for Allergies.
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Information provided by PlanetRx.com is for informational purposes only
and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Only your healthcare
provider should diagnose your healthcare problems and prescribe treatment.
Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any course of
supplementation or treatment, particularly if you are currently under
medical care. Make sure you carefully read all product packaging prior
to use. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should
consult your healthcare provider.
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