Treating Kids'
Allergies
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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.
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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.
