INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Allergy Relief
SPONSORED CONTENT
Out with the Colds, in
with the Allergies
Welcome Spring!!
A
s we all prepare to thaw out and welcome the flowers and green
grass, we look forward to fewer illnesses and to sending the
kids outside to play in the fresh air. Soon, however, some will develop
sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and a constant runny nose. Some will even
have a nagging mild cough and just feel more tired. Those with asthma
might need their inhaler a bit more frequently. How can the beautiful
weather make our kids more miserable? The answer is outdoor allergies.
Spring and fall are common times for seasonal allergies. Allergies
develop due to a reaction of the immune system to outdoor irritants
like pollens. The result is an inflammation of the mucous membranes
of the nose and sometimes eyes. Children can develop a persistent,
clear runny nose that runs more after they spend time playing outside.
Sometimes their eyes will water and become itchy, and excessive
rubbing can cause some swelling and redness around the eyes. Often we
notice kids wiping the tip of their nose with their hand, which we know
as the “allergic salute.” Although these annoying allergies are usually
harmless, in some children they can lead to episodes of wheezing, sinus
infections, and even chronic fatigue.
If you suspect allergies in your child, and your child is over the
age of two, there are some over-the-counter medicines that might be
helpful. Most allergy medicines are available over the counter. If your
child’s symptoms are very mild and infrequent, you do not need to
treat them. However, if a runny nose bothers your children at school,
or if the congestion is interfering with activities or sleep, it is safe to
try a daily dose of an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, either
loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra).
These are less sedating and only have to be given once daily compared
to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), though you could try this also. Never
use more than one of these medicines at the same time, unless directed
by a physician, as allergy medicines can interact with other medications.
Dosing instructions should be strictly followed and if not stated on the
package, check with your child’s doctor. If your child is taking ANY
other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, you should
ask the doctor if it is OK to use an allergy medicine. If your child just
has itchy, runny eyes, you may try using OTC allergy eye drops. Never
use two different W