Allergies And Their Symptoms
Allergies refer to a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. If that sounds vague, its because it isallergens and reactions to those allergens are incredibly wide-ranging.
Allergens can include aeroallergens , food allergens , animal dander, latex, certain medications and insect stings. Allergy skin tests are an efficient and accurate way of determining allergic sensitivities.
If youre allergic to a particular allergen, your body mistakes that otherwise harmless substance as a harmful intruder, triggering the immune system to produce immunoglobulin E antibodies in an effort to protect your body from the intruder. Those antibodies cause your cells to release histamine and other chemicals, thus resulting in an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- Itching
- Sneezing
- For food allergies: vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory symptoms or even anaphylaxis
For our ranking, we only included medications that treat symptoms of aeroallergens.
Who May Not Be Able To Take Cetirizine
Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
- have an allergy to food additives
- have an allergy to peanuts or soya some brands of cetirizine capsules contain soya
- have kidney failure
- have epilepsy or another health problem that puts you at risk of having seizures or fits
- have a condition that means you have difficulty peeing
- are due to have an allergy test taking cetirizine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test
What Do Results Mean
The meaning of the allergy test results depends on what test you do. If your child has a reaction to the food challenge test or elimination diet test, thats a pretty clear indicator theres an allergy to a food and they should stay away from it.
Blood tests arent as sensitive as skin tests, and can yield both false positives and false negatives.
Whatever allergy testing is done for your child, its important to place those results in the larger picture of the symptoms theyve exhibited and their reactions to specific exposures. Taken together, that will help confirm any specific allergy diagnosis.
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Childrens Allergy Medicine: The Basics
Similar to adults with allergies, when your kid is exposed to specific allergens, their body fights off the foreign substance by releasing histamines. Histamines can cause noses to run, chests to tighten,* eyes to water, and hives to appear.*
A solution for children experiencing allergy symptoms is oral antihistamines, which work to block symptomcausing histamines.
Allergy medicine for kids comes in a variety of solutions. While some require a dose three to four times a day, Childrens Xyzal is long-lasting and as effective at hour 24 as it is at hour 1.
Depending on the childrens allergy medicine you choose, there may be side effects such as drowsiness. So, if your child is prone to seasonal allergies, consult with your childs doctor about the different options of kids allergy medicine and which is the best fit for your little one.
If your child has perennial allergies, you can relieve their allergy symptoms with kids allergy medicine. The active ingredient in Childrens Xyzal lasts for 24 hours, so your child can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Allergy Shots And Sublingual Immunotherapy
Otherwise known as immunotherapy, allergy shots are sometimes recommended in older kids to help treat allergies to pollen, dust and outdoor mold when medications just aren’t helping control their symptoms or they have side effects from them.
For three to five years, children are given shots of an allergen in gradually stronger doses, at first every couple of weeks then eventually every few months.
The goal is to help the immune system get used to the allergen bit by bit over time, so that eventually your child won’t experience allergy symptoms at all or they will be much more tolerable.
A newer form of this type of treatment without injections is available: a liquid mixture or tablet customized for a childs allergies called sublingual immunotherapy . The drops, which are placed under the tongue, can be given at home with instructions from the allergist.
Remember that seasonal allergies are fairly rare in babies under a year old, and most children will have between eight and 10 colds in their first two years of life. So check with your pediatrician to determine whether those sneezes and sniffles are truly triggered by allergies or whether the common cold is the culprit.
- What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.
- What to Expect the Second Year, Heidi Murkoff.
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Allergy Treatments And Medicine For Kids
Daniel Combs, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine and pediatrics.
Allergies are common in children, and fortunately, there are many good treatments that can help you control your child’s allergy symptoms.
Although parents usually try over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, their frequent use should usually be avoided, because they are sedating and can make your child sleepy. Newer OTC allergy medicines are the exception, though, as most are non-sedating, including Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
Prescription allergy medications for older kids are the same as those that are used for adults, including Clarinex and Xyzal, both of which come in over-the-counter formulations as well. In addition, you can use steroid nasal sprays in children under two years old with allergies, including Flonase, Rhinocort Aqua, Nasonex, Nasacort AQ, Omnaris, and Flonase Sensimist.
That’s a lot of different allergy medications and different combinations that can be used, so don’t let your kids suffer from allergy symptoms. See your pediatrician for help finding the right allergy medications.
Children’s Allegra Allergy Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Children’s Allegra Allergy and call your doctor at once if you have:
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flu-like symptoms
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new or worsening cough
-
pain or
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signs of an ear infection–fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.
Common side effects of Children’s Allegra Allergy may include:
-
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Children’s Allegra Allergy if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Children’s Allegra Allergy is safe to use if you have:
-
kidney disease.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. If you are 65 or older, ask a doctor before taking Children’s Allegra Allergy.
This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria .
How To Take It
You can take cetirizine with or without food, but always take the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or squash. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.
Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount.
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Allergy Medications You Should Avoid
You should NOT give your toddler oral decongestants. These should NOT be used in children who are younger than 12. Examples include Sudafed and Afrin.
If your child is between the ages of 2 and 6, and OTC medications are not working within one to two weeks, please call our office to schedule an appointment.
Many Parents Stumble Over Giving Kids Allergy Medicine
When it comes to giving allergy medicine to kids, many parents are doing things that could potentially cause problems, a new poll finds.
Parents who were polled said they had trouble figuring out the right dose of allergy medications to give to their children, and some said they used adult versions of the drugs instead of child versions, according to a new poll.
When using adult allergy medications, “parents should be very careful to give their child the correct dose,” Dr. Gary Freed, a pediatrician at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan and co-director of the poll, said in a statement. “Doses greater than recommended for children can result in more severe side effects, Freed said.
For the poll, researchers at Mott surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults who had children ages 6 to 12.
Overall, more than half the parents said they had given allergy medicine to their child in the past year. About 1 in 5 parents reported that it was hard to figure out the right dose of allergy medications for their child.
What’s more, 15 percent of parents gave their child an adult form of the allergy medicine. Of these, about one-third gave their child the dose recommended for adults, while two-thirds used a partial adult dose.
Although adult allergy medicines often contain the same ingredients as those for kids, the labels on the adult versions often don’t include instructions on how much of the medicine to give children, according to Mott.
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The Importance Of Diagnosing Your Kids Allergies
The first step to correctly using allergy medication is to get an expert diagnosis. Self-diagnosing your childs allergies could lead to treating the wrong condition or using the wrong medication. Its best not to risk it.
If you think your child is showing signs of pediatric allergies, schedule an appointment with a top allergist near you. This doctor will diagnose your kids symptoms and create a care plan, which will include clear directions about which medications are best for your childs situation.
Getting a proper diagnosis and care plan from an allergist is the surest way to keep your child safe from medication risks.
How Can I Be Sure Im Giving My Child The Proper Dose Of Childrens Zyrtec
Always follow the instructions that come with Childrens ZYRTEC®. When taking Childrens ZYRTEC® Allergy Syrup, be sure to use the dosing cup that comes in the package. Other items like kitchen teaspoons, droppers or measuring devices that come with other medicines may not be accurate. If you have any questions about treating your childs allergies, please speak with your doctor.
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Allergy Medicine For Kids: Dosing And Labeling Can Be Complicated
Spring and fall are common times for children to experience allergy symptoms. Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and sometimes a cough can be signs that allergy season has arrived. Parents often turn to over-the-counter allergy medicines to prevent allergies or treat their children with these symptoms. The C.S. Mott National Poll on Childrens Health asked parents of school-aged children 6-12 years why they give their child over-the-counter allergy medicines, their experiences with those medicines and where they get advice about them.
Can I Use An Hsa Or Fsa To Buy Children’s Allegra Products
You may be able to use your HSA or FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products, including Allegra®. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Plan details vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.
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What Is Children’s Allegra Allergy
Children’s Allegra Allergy is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children.
Children’s Allegra Allergy is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children at least 6 years old.
There are many brands and forms of fexofenadine available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Children’s Allegra Allergy may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How Are Returns Handled At Zyrteccom
If you have a refund request, please contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-343-7805 M-F 9-5:30 ET for instructions on return of the product and other information necessary.
Returns are easy and convenient. You may return any unopened product within 30 days of purchase for a refund, less original shipping and handling charges. Shipping & handling costs will not be reimbursed by Zyrtec.com unless there was a shipping error or product damage. Please call us right away at 1-800-343-7805 M-F 9-5:30 ET if your order arrived damaged or if a packaging error occurred. Please provide us with your order number, name, address, and a description of what happened. We will provide instructions on what to do next. If a replacement item is in stock, we will ship it to you.
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What Is The Proper Way To Dispose Of Unused Or Expired Zyrtec Products
Do NOT dispose of any ZYRTEC® product by emptying it into your sink, toilet or storm drain. Check to see if your pharmacy or community has a take-back program in which you can drop off your expired or unused medicine for them to dispose for you. Otherwise, place your medicine in an unmarked, sealed container and dispose of the container in your household trash. Visit the FDA website for more information.
At What Age Can A Child Take Allergy Medicine
Before starting your child on any allergy medications, always check with your doctor. Some allergy medication in young children may result in serious side effects. While antihistamines are typically fine for children over the age of two, decongestants are advised against until the age of six.
However, every allergy medication has its own age range, so be sure to check with your allergist before administering any medication to your child.
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What Other Drugs Will Affect Children’s Allegra Allergy
Using Children’s Allegra Allergy with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Children’s Allegra Allergy with any other medications, especially:
Tips For Giving Allergy Medication To Kids
Giving your kid allergy medication should be taken seriously. As you learn how to safely administer medication to your child, keep in mind the following tips:
- Just because the medication is for children doesnt mean its suitable for your childs age. You should always consult the directions and follow the dosage instructions for your childs age. Read the label carefully and check the expiration date, too.
- Work to reduce your kids exposure to allergens. Preventing exposure can stop allergies from happening in the first place. Avoiding the outdoors at certain times of day and bathing your child before bed to get off any pollen are just two ways to avoid allergens.
- Try some home remedies to get symptom relief. A saline solution for your childs nose can clear up blockage and alleviate congestion. Or you might try a cold compress for itchy eyes.
- Get the timing right for medication. The time of day and frequently are factors for effectively administering allergy meds. Antihistamines work quickly but may cause drowsiness in kids. Nasal sprays, on the other hand, take time to kick in.
- Keep an eye out for reactions. After you give your child allergy medication, be watchful about any side effects. Though some may be mild, its good to track any side effects, so you can keep looking for the best allergy medication for your child.
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Common Questions About Cetirizine
Cetirizine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, your body produces a chemical called histamine.
Usually histamine is a useful substance, but in an allergic reaction it causes unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Cetirizine blocks the effects of histamine and reduces these symptoms.
You should start to feel better within an hour.
It depends on why you’re taking cetirizine.
You may only need to take it for a short time or as a one-off dose.
For example, if you have a reaction to an insect bite, you may only need to take cetirizine for a day or two.
You may need to take cetirizine for longer if you’re taking it to prevent symptoms for example, to stop hay fever when the pollen count is high.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how long you need to take cetirizine for.
Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time.
However it’s best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there’s a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.
If you’ve been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it.
It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy.
You can eat and drink normally while taking cetirizine.
