Read this before you buy allergy meds for your kid.
Does it seem like your kid has a cold all year round? Or do they get hives or other mystery rashes? If your kiddo often has skin irritations, stomach problems, sneezing, a stuffy nose or itchy, watery eyes, it could be a sign of allergies. Eczema, food allergies and seasonal allergies are all common, affecting around 27 percent of kids.
Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to things found in your child’s environment. Common triggers include:
Avoiding triggers is often the best strategy to avoid annoying—and sometimes life-threatening—symptoms, especially if your child is seriously allergic and at risk of anaphylaxis. But if avoidance is almost impossible, as is the case with seasonal allergies, some kids can also benefit from allergy medication.
Allergy medications can help to reduce allergy symptoms and limit the excessive response from your child’s immune system. Not all allergy medications are suitable for kids, so it’s important to check the label.
Common types of allergy medication that are available over the counter include antihistamines and nasal sprays.
Children with allergy-linked skin conditions like eczema may use special creams and even steroids, but these usually require a prescription and should only be used after a discussion with your family physician.
Children’s antihistamines usually come as a sweet syrup to make them more palatable for kids. These medications work by blocking histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers immune system cells to react. By preventing histamine from activating these cells, antihistamines help offer allergy relief, reducing symptoms including itching, swelling and sneezing.
Oral antihistamines can be grouped into first- and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines have been around for longer, but they often come with more side effects like sleepiness and poor concentration. Benedryl is a first-generation antihistamine. And while it does make kids sleepy, it's also highly effective at reducing allergy symptoms quickly.
Second-generation antihistamines are a better non-drowsy allergy medicine for kids as they’re much less likely to make your child feel sleepy. These include brands like Reactine and Claritin. While they take longer to take effect, these medications last longer and are better for long term treatment.
Different children’s nasal sprays contain different ingredients, so make sure to always read the packaging. Many decongestant nasal sprays contain antihistamines, others just salt water to rinse allergens out of the nose, and some are a combination of other anti-allergy ingredients.
Children may be able to use adult nasal sprays but may require a different dose. Always check the label before giving your child any type of nasal spray and speak to your physician or pharmacist if you’re not sure whether a medication is safe.
According to pediatrician Dr Akash Sinha, that depends on whether your child has a formal allergy diagnosis.
“Usually, I do recommend getting advice from a professional before self-medicating,” explains Dr Sinha. It's a medical professional's job to make diagnoses and Dr Sinha warns that guessing can lead to “a whole host of problems as a result.”
Getting a formal allergy diagnosis usually involves allergy testing. This can be a stressful time for kids, so you might want to talk to them about what to expect before the appointment.
If your child is seriously allergic to something, your physician will likely prescribe them an EpiPen to be used in an emergency. Make sure your child knows how to use their EpiPen. Talk to your child’s school or kindergarten about their allergies and make sure staff always have access to an EpiPen that’s in date.
Allergy symptoms can really impact your child's emotions and well-being. They can become anxious around triggers and in unfamiliar situations. Talking through a family action plan can help your child (and you) feel a bit more in control if something serious does happen.
Is your child suffering from allergy symptoms, like rashes, stomach upsets, and coughing or sneezing, regularly? Are allergies interfering with school or your child’s mental health? If so, it’s best to make an appointment with your family physician or pediatrician to talk through the best treatment options.
When it comes to the best allergy medicine for kids, Dr Sinha advises: “Usually for allergies, we recommend a non-sedative, newer generation allergy medication. These are typically bought over the counter, although there are some which are prescription only.”
Sedating or drowsy children’s antihistamines are not recommended as they can make kids feel tired at school and stop them from being able to concentrate.
There can be a place for sedating antihistamines before bed, however, as they can help kids struggling with allergies to get a good night’s sleep. “We don’t typically use Benadryl anymore as it has a lot of sedative effects, although it can be used at night to provide some sedation as well,” Dr Sinha clarifies.
Not all children’s antihistamines are suitable for young kids, either. Although some medications can be given to kids aged six months and upwards, many are only suitable for older children. Even if the label says it’s for kids, make sure to check the age range listed on the packaging. The dose may also vary depending on the age and size of your child.
If you’re thinking about combining allergy medications, make sure to check the label and the medication leaflet and ask your physician or a pharmacist. That way you’ll avoid giving your child medicines that contain similar ingredients, which can intensify side effects and could be dangerous.
You should also make sure the medication you choose is the best option for the allergy symptoms your child is experiencing. This can be done by reading the information on the packaging or talking to the pharmacist. They’ll also be able to talk you through any side effects.
Consulting a professional is the best way to make sure you’re giving your child the medication that’s best for them and their symptoms.
Common antihistamine side effects to look out for in kids include:
First-generation antihistamines can have more effects on the brain, such as drowsiness, confusion, and even seizures, although this is rare. If you’re worried about side effects, speak to your physician or call 911 in an emergency.
Experts
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