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Treating Kids' Allergies
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.
This article is the copyright of PlanetRx.com and is reprinted with
their permission. PlanetRx.com is a registered trademark of
PlanetRx.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
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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