How to Treat Your Child's Seasonal Allergies

By Michelle Bailey, M.D.

The springtime allergies are awful, y’all. Just terrible. And North Texas gets year ‘round allergies, so that’s special. Allergy symptoms include runny nose, red itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough, eczema flares and even hives. Here’s what I advise my patients to do during allergy season.

Start a 24 hour non-drowsy over-the-counter antihistamine such as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec or the newest Xyzal. Do not get medications such as Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D without specific doctor instruction. This extra decongestant component should not be used on a daily basis.

Rinse the offending allergen out of your child’s nose and sinuses by using nasal saline spray or a sinus rinse. For the sinus rinse, I prefer the squeeze bottle style for age 10 and up, but can be used with a mature younger child. NEVER use tap water for a sinus rinse, use either bottled distilled water, or gently boil water then let it cool for about 30 minutes before use. ALWAYS use the salt and baking soda packet with the sinus rinse.

Other over-the-counter products to try to reduce allergy symptoms are:

• Nasal congestion: steroid nasal spray such as Flonase, shower vapor tabs, vapo rub, and a cool mist humidifier
• Itchy eyes: antihistamine drops such as Zaditor
• Runny nose & sneezing: Benadryl
• Dry itchy skin/eczema flare: hypoallergenic soaps and lotions such as Aveeno, Eucerin or Dove, All Free & Clear laundry detergent, and ask your doctor if a prescription steroid cream is needed
• Hives: Benadryl, and call your doctor

Change of season and bad allergies can lead to an asthma attack, so make sure your child takes all prescribed daily medications for allergies and asthma.