Will Children’s Allergy Medicine Work On Adults

The Best Allergy Medicines And Treatments For Kids

No one can stop plants from blooming throughout the seasons, but we rounded up medications that will help sniffling kids feel better today, tomorrow, and for the long haul. Check out the best seasonal allergy treatments for every child.

Seasonal allergies happen when the body perceives certain outside elements as a threat, and the immune system releases antibodies and histamine in response. The main triggers are pollen from trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fallalthough mold can also trigger allergies throughout the year.

Allergy symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose with clear mucus, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, scratchy throat, and itchy nose and ears. Unlike the common cold, which lasts seven to 10 days, seasonal allergies may stick around for weeks or months at a time, says Fuad Baroody, M.D., director of pediatric otolaryngology at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

• RELATED: Seasonal Allergy Symptoms in Kids

Untreated allergy symptoms can negatively affect a kid’s life. For example, congestion might lead to “fatigue, poor concentration in school, and learning problems because kids won’t be sleeping well at night,” says Todd Mahr, M.D., Director of Pediatric Allergy/Asthma/Immunology at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He adds that constant nose-blowing and congestion may cause social tension, shyness, or teasing.

Allergy Medication Side Effects

Older antihistamines are associated with drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, upset stomach, blurry vision, a dry mouth/nose and throat, and difficulty urinating. The newer antihistamines are usually well tolerated but can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and stomach problems.

Nasal corticosteroids can cause nasal dryness or irritation, nosebleed, throat irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, cough, and fungal infections of the throat with long-term use.

Mast cell stabilizers can cause a short-lived stinging sensation inside the nose.

Leukotriene inhibitors are associated with unusual weakness, upset stomach, earache, dizziness, cough, headache, trouble sleeping. Serious but unlikely side effects include flu-like symptoms.

Nasal decongestants may cause a temporary burning, stinging, or dryness in the nose, a runny nose, and sneezing. Oral decongestants may cause dizziness, headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, and sleep problems.

Nasal anticholinergics can cause a bloody or dry nose, nasal congestion, dry mouth and irritated throat, bad taste in the mouth, dizziness, and nausea.

Topical corticosteroids for skin allergies can cause burning, itching, redness, and changes to skin color and thinning of skin.

Topical immunomodulators for skin allergies may cause stinging, burning, irritation, and itching at the application site. They may also cause headache and flu symptoms.

When To Call Us

We can help diagnose allergies if youre not sure whats causing your childs symptoms. Also, if your child has tried over-the-counter medication for allergies and is still suffering from symptoms, please let us know. There are a number of prescription alternatives that may work better for some people.

As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your childs allergies, or if youre not sure how to use any over-the-counter medication.

Dr. Kerry McGee is a former Kids Plus provider.

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What Symptoms Does Aerius Relieve

AERIUS® and AERIUS® Kids is used for fast, effective relief from seasonal and year-round allergy Symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, running nose, itchy nose, stuffiness, itchy palate, itchy ears, itchy throat, allergic cough, as well as swollen, itchy, burning, watery and red eyes. It also provides fast and effective relief of allergic skin conditions, such as skin itch and hives.

AERIUS® Double Action 12 Hour is used for fast, long-acting and effective relief from multiple nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies including: itchy, burning, watery, swollen and red eyes, itchy nose, ears, palate and throat, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion/stuffiness, sinus congestion/pressure, and allergic cough.

How Do I Know Which Otc Allergy Medicine Is Right For Me

When determining which type of OTC allergy medication is right for you, consider your worst allergy symptoms.

There is a lot of crossover among the different categories, but in the most simple terms, antihistamines are best for itchy, sneezy noses and help itchy eyes, says Dr. Passer. Nasal sprays are best for congestion and post nasal drainage, but help itch quite a bit, too, and decongestants help with congestion. OTC eye drops are best for eye symptoms.

I dont think there is any differentiation between the medication categories for pollen versus, say, indoor allergens like dust or dog dander, she adds. It really is all the same process in the bodyit just comes from different sources.

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Seasonal Allergy Medicines For Kids

To combat symptoms, most allergists recommend starting with the simplest over-the-counter treatment and adding more medications as needed. “We want to keep children on the lowest amount of medication possible to control symptoms so they have the least possible side effects,” says Edith Schussler, M.D., a pediatric allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine, in New York City. Check out the best types of allergy medicines on the market today.

Young Kids With Allergies

Choices are a little more limited for younger infants and children. These choices do include Clarinex and Xyzal, both are which available as a syrup and are approved for children over age 6 months.

Claritin and Zyrtec are also available as a syrup and chewable tablet, but they are officially only approved for kids over age 2 years. And keep in mind that both are now available over the counter, both as brand name Claritin and Zyrtec and as cheaper generic and store-brand versions.

Singulair is another good alternative for younger children. Although this medicine has already been used to prevent asthma in kids, it recently was also approved as a treatment for seasonal and year-round allergies. It can be given to children over age 6 months from a packet of oral granules, or as a chewable tablet for kids over age 4.

Allegra is the latest allergy medicine to be available in a liquid form. It is now available in an oral suspension that can be given to children between the ages of 2 to 11 years with seasonal allergies and over 6 months with chronic idiopathic urticaria . It is also the latest allergy medicine to be available over-the-counter.

Steroid nasal sprays are also often used for younger kids. Nasonex and Veramyst are both approved for use in kids over age 2 years, and Flonase can be used in children over age 4.

Remember that many medications are used off-label in children younger than the FDA-approved age.

Also Check: Benadryl Allergy Non Drowsy

Types Of Otc Allergy Medications

OTC allergy medications use a variety of methods to fight symptoms. Three of the most common OTC allergy medication types are:

• Corticosteroids: This type of OTC allergy medication works by preventing swelling and inflammation. Its applied via nasal spray, treating nasal allergies. Corticosteroids are Dr. Passers preferred format of OTC allergy medicationwhile they mainly help with congestion and post nasal drainage, they can also help with itching and sneezing, she says. These work by soothing the sensitive tissue in your sinuses by coating them with the best anti-inflammatory medication, says Dr. Passer.Therefore, when you are exposed to allergens, those tissues remain calm, cool and collected and dont have the over-exaggerated response of swelling and producing lots of mucus. Indeed, one study confirms corticosteroids are superior to antihistamines when it comes to treating allergies. In the study, 88 patients with ragweed allergies received either a corticosteroid or an antihistamine. After four weeks, the steroid nasal spray group reported far fewer allergy symptoms than the antihistamine groupSteroids More Effective Than Antihistamines When Used As Needed For Allergies. University Of Chicago Medical Center. Accessed 05/13/2021. .

What Home Remedies Can You Use For Seasonal Allergies In Kids

Bathing to remove pollen, keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, and using over-the-counter medications and remedies may help your child manage their seasonal allergies. In addition, older kids may find relief from a saline sinus rinse.

Keep in mind that not all OTC medications and natural remedies are appropriate for kids of all ages. Be sure to read labels carefully and talk to your childs doctor before trying an OTC medication or remedy.

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Best For Pet Allergies: Xyzal Allergy Tablet

• Maximum strength for severe allergies of all kinds

• Eases pet dander irritations

• Better for those under their 60s

• Can cause drowsiness

No matter how much you love your furry friends, life isnt going to be easy if youre allergic to them. You can give yourself some relief by taking the Xyzal Allergy Relief Tablets that were made to alleviate symptoms associated with animal dander allergies.

Unless youre willing to get rid of your pet, many say this is the only thing that works. Additionally, Parikh suggests keeping the pet out of your bedroom and getting a HEPA air purifier.

Cough And Cold Medicines

Children under 6 years should not take cough and cold medicines, including decongestant nasal sprays.

Children aged 6-11 years should not take cough and cold medicines unless a doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner tells them to.

Saline nasal sprays and drops are safe options for clearing blocked noses for children older than 12 months.

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For Children With Colds Doctors Are Increasingly Likely To Recommend Antihistamines Rather Than Cough And Cold Medicine

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Your Child Has A Bad Cold And Feels Awful Dont Bother With Those Cold Meds

When a young child comes down with a cold congestion, a scratchy sore throat and runny nose, maybe with greenish goo many parents head straight for the drugstore for a bottle of childrens cold medicine.

Dont bother.

Its worth it to give children lots of fluid, acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are uncomfortable and liberal doses of books, games and TV. But research has repeatedly shown that cold medicines do not work for children younger than 6, and they provide only a negligible benefit for children 6 to 12.

I notice two reactions when I share this information with parents in my pediatric practice: surprise, because these medications appear to work, though thats really just because cold symptoms naturally wax and wane throughout the day and frustration that there isnt a medicine to just make the cold go away.

A common cold is the most frequent infection people get more than 200 viruses cause these infections. Older children and adults tend to come down with a cold two to four times a year young children get them six to 10 times a year. This is normal and not a sign that something is wrong with a childs immune system. Because colds are more common during the school year, some children will get a cold every month between fall and spring. So its no wonder that parents want to reach for a cold medicine.

The newer antihistamines found in many allergy medicines have no effect on the symptoms of a cold.

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Safe Use Of Claritin For Kids

Claritin comes in two versions: Claritin and Claritin-D. They each come in several forms.

While all forms of Claritin and Claritin-D are safe for use by most children of certain ages, your child may prefer the two forms of Claritin that are labeled for children. They come as grape- or bubblegum-flavored chewable tablets and a grape-flavored syrup.

What Are Warnings And Precautions For Cetirizine

Warnings

• Documented hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine
• This medication contains cetirizine. Do not take Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec Hives Relief, PediaCare Children’s 24 Hour Allergy, Aller-Tec, or Wal-Zyr if you are allergic to cetirizine or any ingredients contained in this drug
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately

Contraindications

• Avoid use if there is hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine.

Effects of Drug Abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• Avoid the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers as cetirizine can increase the risk of drowsiness. Cetirizine may cause central nervous systemdepression avoid activities requiring mental alertness until accustomed to the medication.
• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cetirizine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cetirizine?”

Cautions

• Avoid the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers as cetirizine can increase the risk of drowsiness
• Cetirizine may cause central nervous system depression avoid activities requiring mental alertness until accustomed to medication Use caution in hepatic and renal impairment The elderly may be more sensitive to adverse effects

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Efficacy Of Sublingual Ait In Children With Ad

Sublingual immunotherapy was introduced as safer variant of SCIT to solve the problem of adverse reactions that are rare but possible with traditional SCIT. SLIT treatment is well tolerated, adverse reactions are local mostly the reactions are in mouth cavity or gastrointestinal tract. System reactions related to skin, respiratory tract or anaphylaxis are extremely rare . SLIT is much safer than SCIT and no evidences of anaphylaxis were registered after the infusion to different patients with AD more than 500 million doses. SLIT is significant step forward and is particularly suitable for pediatric patients.

However, to assess the clinical effectiveness there was made a number of clinical studies, including randomized, placebo-controlled. Despite the fact that number of AD studies is not enough, however the results obtained by the authors are promising .

Pain And Fever Medicine: Paracetamol Ibuprofen And Aspirin

ParacetamolYou can give paracetamol to children from birth.

You can use it to treat:

• pain for example, headache, stomach ache, earache, sore throat or fractures
• fever thats making your child feel uncomfortable or unwell.

Paracetamol comes in different strengths and varieties, so choose the right type for your childs age and size. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Panadol, Dymadon and Tylenol are examples of paracetamol.

IbuprofenYou can give ibuprofen to children aged 3 months and older.

You can use ibuprofen to treat:

• pain for example, headache, stomach ache, earache, sore throat or fractures
• fever thats making your child feel uncomfortable or unwell.

Ibuprofen comes in different strengths and varieties, so choose the right type for your childs age and size. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Avoid giving your child ibuprofen if they have severe asthma.

Nurofen, Advil and Herron Blue are examples of ibuprofen.

AspirinDo not give aspirin to children under 12 years unless its prescribed by a doctor.

Aspirin can make your child susceptible to Reyes syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal illness. If youre giving your child any over-the-counter medicines, check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure they dont have aspirin.

Also Check: Best Nasal Sprays For Allergies

Is Your Child Getting The Best Allergy Medicine

The first step in your stress-busting plan may be to talk to your childâs allergist about better symptom control.

âIt depends on the type of allergy the child has, but the main thing about any allergy is to make sure that you identify what triggers the childâs problems or symptoms and then once you figure that out, you can help them cope with the symptoms they have,â says Stanley Fineman, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

If you havenât tried any new allergy medications for a while, you may find that second-generation medications or immunotherapy — a series of allergy shots — can work wonders. In fact, immunotherapy is the closest thing to curing allergies.

âAllergy shots have been shown to help 85% of people who go on them,â says Rachel Schreiber, MD, an allergist immunologist and co-founder of mommydocs.com, a pediatric information site. âAnd in children, they help not only allergies, but also asthma.â Allergy shots can prevent the progression of allergies to asthma.

Why Trust Verywell Family

As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.

Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey

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Percent Of Parents Admit To Giving Kids Adult Allergy Meds

According to a new poll, about 15 percent of parents have given their child an adult dose of allergy medication. Here’s why that’s not a good idea.

“Why is there a half of a Zyrtec in here?” my husband asked the other night, shaking the bottle accusingly in my direction. My hands froze on my laptop keyboard, but I simply shrugged without looking up. “No clue,” I told him, then I casually resumed typing.

The truth? My son’s seasonal allergies have been BAD this season, and I was at my wit’s end after a particularly intense sneezing fit. So I broke an adult Zyrtec in half and forked it over. Problem solved. But since my husband is a doctor and I knew he’d object, I totally lied about it.

Not my proudest parenting moment, but it turns out I’m not alone. According to the recent C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, 15 percent of parents said they’d given their child an adult form of the allergy medicine. And while about one-third of them gave their child the amount recommended for adults, two-thirds did what I did and dished out a partial dose.

Of course, cracking a tablet in half isn’t necessarily a good practice. Because while adult allergy meds often contain the same ingredients as the ones for kids, they don’t usually come with pediatric dosing instructions, which means making sure your kid gets the right amount of medicine becomes super tricky.

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