Allergy medicine for kids

Allergy medicine for kids includes the drops this girl is being given to soothe her eyes – she’s tipping her head back to help

Does your little one have allergies? Maybe their symptoms stop them from doing fun stuff with other kids. School can be tough too with a stuffy nose and not enough sleep. But children don’t need to grin and bear it. Find the right allergy medicine for kids and you can help your daughter or son fight back against the allergy sniffles. Scarier symptoms too.

Allergy medicine for kids: where do I start?

The first thing to know is that you don’t have to be super-mom or dad and find the perfect medicine by yourself. Talk to your family doctor or pediatrician about allergy medicine for kids. The best type for your child might be available over the counter or need a prescription. Perhaps there are reasons to avoid a certain allergy medicine for kids. Your child may have another condition or take medication already. A lot will depend on their age, symptoms and medical history and on the results of any allergy testing. That will typically be performed by an allergy specialist.

Allergy medicine for kids

Does your little one have allergies? Maybe their symptoms stop them from doing fun stuff with other kids. School can be tough too with a stuffy nose and not enough sleep. But children don’t need to grin and bear it. Find the right allergy medicine for kids and you can help your daughter or son fight back against the allergy sniffles. Scarier symptoms too.

Allergy medicine for kids: where do I start?

The first thing to know is that you don’t have to be super-mom or dad and find the perfect medicine by yourself. Talk to your family doctor or pediatrician about allergy medicine for kids. The best type for your child might be available over the counter or need a prescription. Perhaps there are reasons to avoid a certain allergy medicine for kids. Your child may have another condition or take medication already. A lot will depend on their age, symptoms and medical history and on the results of any allergy testing. That will typically be performed by an allergy specialist.

Allergy medicine for kids includes the drops this girl is being given to soothe her eyes – she’s tipping her head back to help

Do you have hay fever or another type of allergy? If so, you’ve probably heard about antihistamines; indeed, you may already be taking them. These medicines have been helping people with allergy for over 75 years. Antihistamines can soothe symptoms from sniffles and sneezes to watery eyes and itchy rashes. Read on to find out how and why.

How do antihistamines work?

An allergy blood test is the same as any other blood test: a small amount of your blood is sent to a lab for analysis.

Allergy blood tests can detect Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system in connection with a reaction to protect us from outside intruders such as parasites.

Allergie
medikamente für Kinder

Does your little one have allergies? Maybe their symptoms stop them from doing fun stuff with other kids. School can be tough too with a stuffy nose and not enough sleep. But children don’t need to grin and bear it.

Allergy medicine for kids includes the drops this girl is being given to soothe her eyes – she’s tipping her head back to help

Find the right allergy medicine for kids and you can help your daughter or son fight back against the allergy sniffles. Scarier symptoms too.

Allergy medicine for kids: where do I start?

The first thing to know is that you don’t have to be super-mom or dad and find the perfect medicine by yourself. Talk to your family doctor or pediatrician about allergy medicine for kids. The best type for your child might be available over the counter or need a prescription. Perhaps there are reasons to avoid a certain allergy medicine for kids. Your child may have another condition or take medication already. A lot will depend on their age, symptoms and medical history and on the results of any allergy testing. That will typically be performed by an allergy specialist.

Is there special allergy medicine for kids?

Allergy tends to run in the family. So parents of kids with allergies often have symptom-relieving medicine in the house. Allergic moms and dads know what works for them and it can be tempting to try the same treatment with their allergic kids. We want so much to make them feel better. But giving an adult dose of medication to a child can cause more severe side effects.

The way to help them is with the right dose of allergy medicine for kids. It’s often the same type of drug. But the dose is likely to be lower and the instructions and other information specific to children. Your family doctor or pediatrician can offer advice.

Allergy medicine for kids that isn’t medicine

There’s a simple remedy you can get at the pharmacy that’s drug-free; saline or salt solution. Maybe you already use a saline nasal spray when your child gets a cold and has a blocked nose. It helps loosen and thin mucus and is even suitable for babies.

Is there special allergy medicine for kids?

Allergy tends to run in the family. So parents of kids with allergies often have symptom-relieving medicine in the house. Allergic moms and dads know what works for them and it can be tempting to try the same treatment with their allergic kids. We want so much to make them feel better. But giving an adult dose of medication to a child can cause more severe side effects.

The way to help them is with the right dose of allergy medicine for kids. It’s often the same type of drug. But the dose is likely to be lower and the instructions and other information specific to children. Your family doctor or pediatrician can offer advice.

Allergy medicine for kids that isn’t medicine

There’s a simple remedy you can get at the pharmacy that’s drug-free; saline or salt solution. Maybe you already use a saline nasal spray when your child gets a cold and has a blocked nose. It helps loosen and thin mucus and is even suitable for babies.

Boy reading a book on his mother’s knee – they’re under a tree which could be challenging if he had pollen allergies

Kids can get hay fever too

Another reason to try a saline spray for nasal congestion is it seems to make topical allergy medicines work better. And it may mean less need for antihistamine, a common symptom-reliever. Your child may be anxious about the spray at first so tell them exactly what’s going to happen.

Artificial tears are saline too and can soothe watery eyes. Younger children may be even less keen about eyedrops than nasal sprays. A bribe can help. Lean your child back and ask them to look up. Gently hold their top eyelid open and pinch the lower one to make a little pocket to catch the saline.

Topical allergy medicine for kids

Your child could have seasonal allergies to pollen or mold. Or indoor allergies to pet dander, dust mites, mold (again) or something else entirely. Symptom-relieving meds tackle what’s going on inside them when they react to their trigger. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory.

Boy reading a book on his mother’s knee – they’re under a tree which could be challenging if he had pollen allergies

Kids can get hay fever too

Another reason to try a saline spray for nasal congestion is it seems to make topical allergy medicines work better. And it may mean less need for antihistamine, a common symptom-reliever. Your child may be anxious about the spray at first so tell them exactly what’s going to happen.

Artificial tears are saline too and can soothe watery eyes. Younger children may be even less keen about eyedrops than nasal sprays. A bribe can help. Lean your child back and ask them to look up. Gently hold their top eyelid open and pinch the lower one to make a little pocket to catch the saline.

Topical allergy medicine for kids

Your child could have seasonal allergies to pollen or mold. Or indoor allergies to pet dander, dust mites, mold (again) or something else entirely. Symptom-relieving meds tackle what’s going on inside them when they react to their trigger. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory.

Boy reading a book on his mother’s knee – they’re under a tree which could be challenging if he had pollen allergies

Kids can get

hay fever too

Another reason to try a saline spray for nasal congestion is it seems to make topical allergy medicines work better. And it may mean less need for antihistamine, a common symptom-reliever. Your child may be anxious about the spray at first so tell them exactly what’s going to happen.

Artificial tears are saline too and can soothe watery eyes.

Younger children may be even less keen about eyedrops than nasal sprays. A bribe can help. Lean your child back and ask them to look up. Gently hold their top eyelid open and pinch the lower one to make a little pocket to catch the saline.

Topical allergy medicine for kids

Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers block the histamine causing lots of their symptoms. If it’s mainly one part of their body that’s affected, then topical allergy medicine for kids could be the right choice.

Some medications are approved for babies and toddlers. Others only from a certain age. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist and always read the information leaflet very carefully.

1. Allergy medications for a blocked, stuffy or itchy nose

There are corticosteroid nasal sprays and antihistamine nasal sprays for kids. You can also get combined antihistamine and steroid nasal sprays. Children can use decongestants but, like grown-ups, not for more than a few days. And mast cell stabilizers also come in a nasal spray.

2. Allergy relief for teary red eyes

There are different options here too. Children can have antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops. There are also drops combining the two treatments. You may need to treat your child’s eyes several times a day.

Your child could have seasonal allergies to pollen or mold. Or indoor allergies to pet dander, dust mites, mold (again) or something else entirely. Symptom-relieving meds tackle what’s going on inside them when they react to their trigger. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory. Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers block the histamine causing lots of their symptoms. If it’s mainly one part of their body that’s affected, then topical allergy medicine for kids could be the right choice.

Some medications are approved for babies and toddlers. Others only from a certain age. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist and always read the information leaflet very carefully.

1. Allergy medications for a blocked, stuffy or itchy nose

There are corticosteroid nasal sprays and antihistamine nasal sprays for kids. You can also get combined antihistamine and steroid nasal sprays. Children can use decongestants but, like grown-ups, not for more than a few days. And mast cell stabilizers also come in a nasal spray.

2. Allergy relief for teary red eyes

There are different options here too. Children can have antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops. There are also drops combining the two treatments. You may need to treat your child’s eyes several times a day.

Many things making you sneeze?

Many things making you sneeze?

multiple alergies

3. Allergy meds for sore itchy skin

Corticosteroid creams, gels, ointments and lotions are common treatments to soothe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and insect stings. They calm inflammation and itching and range from mild to “super-potent”. There are non-steroid creams for treating children’s eczema too now. Ask your family doctor or pharmacist about it.

4. Allergy medication for lower respiratory symptoms

Breathing in tiny environmental allergens can make childrenwheeze and  They may get short of breath and feel as if their chest is tight. Corticosteroid inhalers are common allergy medicine for kids.

Oral allergy medicine for kids

Oral antihistamines can help with sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and other signs of hay fever in allergy season. They can also calm insect stings and hives, as well as help with mild reactions to food. Depending how old your child is, they may be able to have capsules, tablets (some of them chewable), liquid or syrup. Most take an hour or so to work. Ask your family doctor about oral antihistamines if topical allergy medicine for kids isn’t working. Or if your child has a wider range of allergy symptoms. They sometimes prescribe them for children as young as one.

Leukotriene modifiers or antagonists counteract another chemical the body releases as a part of an allergic reaction. They’re available on prescription and may be a back-up to your child’s corticosteroid inhaler if they’re struggling with lower respiratory symptoms. Babies can have the granules from six months old. There are tablets for older children. Leukotriene modifiers can help with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) too.

Oral antihistamines can help with sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and other signs of hay fever in allergy season. They can also calm insect stings and hives, as well as help with mild reactions to food. Depending how old your child is, they may be able to have capsules, tablets (some of them chewable), liquid or syrup. Most take an hour or so to work. Ask your family doctor about oral antihistamines if topical allergy medicine for kids isn’t working. Or if your child has a wider range of allergy symptoms. They sometimes prescribe them for children as young as one.

Leukotriene modifiers or antagonists counteract another chemical the body releases as a part of an allergic reaction. They’re available on prescription and may be a back-up to your child’s corticosteroid inhaler if they’re struggling with lower respiratory symptoms. Babies can have the granules from six months old. There are tablets for older children. Leukotriene modifiers can help with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) too.

Food container clearly labelled Benjamin on a separate shelf in the fridge – one way to help keep kids with allergies safe

Separate shelves:
Life with food allergy

Any downsides to oral allergy medicine for kids?

Oral allergy medicine for kids may cause side effects, like most medications including the topical types above. The information leaflet will give you a full list. Older antihistamines can make children feel sleepy (although less so than grown-ups). This could be useful if allergy symptoms are keeping them – and you – awake at night. Newer antihistamines tend to be non-drowsy. Both could give your child nightmares. Meanwhile corticosteroid tablets can cause growth problems in children if taken for a long time.

See professional medical advice if you spot anything to worry you.

Any downsides to oral allergy medicine for kids?

Oral allergy medicine for kids may cause side effects, like most medications including the topical types above. The information leaflet will give you a full list. Older antihistamines can make children feel sleepy (although less so than grown-ups). This could be useful if allergy symptoms are keeping them – and you – awake at night. Newer antihistamines tend to be non-drowsy. Both could give your child nightmares. Meanwhile corticosteroid tablets can cause growth problems in children if taken for a long time.

See professional medical advice if you spot anything to worry you.

Medicine for severe allergy symptoms in kids

Some allergies may put a child at greater risk of having a severe reaction. These include certain foods, insect venom and latex (for instance in balloons, art supplies or sneakers). Allergies to antibiotics and other medicines can cause serious symptoms too. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical help. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector in case your child comes into contact with their trigger by accident. Epinephrine is another word for adrenaline.

Some allergies may put a child at greater risk of having a severe reaction. These include certain foods, insect venom and latex (for instance in balloons, art supplies or sneakers). Allergies to antibiotics and other medicines can cause serious symptoms too. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical help. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector in case your child comes into contact with their trigger by accident. Epinephrine is another word for adrenaline.

Food container clearly labelled Benjamin on a separate shelf in the fridge – one way to help keep kids with allergies safe

Separate shelves:

Life with food allergy

Medicine for severe allergy symptoms in kids

Some allergies may put a child at greater risk of having a severe reaction. These include certain foods, insect venom and latex (for instance in balloons, art supplies or sneakers). Allergies to antibiotics and other medicines can cause serious symptoms too. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical help. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector in case your child comes into contact with their trigger by accident. Epinephrine is another word for adrenaline.

Any downsides to oral allergy medicine for kids?

Oral allergy medicine for kids may cause side effects, like most medications including the topical types above. The information leaflet will give you a full list. Older antihistamines can make children feel sleepy (although less so than grown-ups). This could be useful if allergy symptoms are keeping them – and you – awake at night.

Food container clearly labelled Benjamin on a separate shelf in the fridge – one way to help keep kids with allergies safe

Separate shelves: Life with
food allergy

Newer antihistamines tend to be non-drowsy. Both could give your child nightmares. Meanwhile corticosteroid tablets can cause growth problems in children if taken for a long time.

See professional medical advice if you spot anything to worry you.

Medicine for severe allergy symptoms in kids

Adrenaline can stop a severe allergic reaction from becoming life-threatening. But you should always call an ambulance too. The recommendation is to carry two autoinjectors at all times. Your child’s school may also hold spares for emergencies.

Adrenaline can stop a severe allergic reaction from becoming life-threatening. But you should always call an ambulance too. The recommendation is to carry two autoinjectors at all times. Your child’s school may also hold spares for emergencies.

Some allergies may put a child at greater risk of having a severe reaction. These include certain foods, insect venom and latex (for instance in balloons, art supplies or sneakers). Allergies to antibiotics and other medicines can cause serious symptoms too. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical help. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector in case your child comes into contact with their trigger by accident. Epinephrine is another word for adrenaline.

Adrenaline can stop a severe allergic reaction from becoming life-threatening. But you should always call an ambulance too. The recommendation is to carry two autoinjectors at all times. Your child’s school may also hold spares for emergencies.

Managing allergy medicine for kids at school

Managing allergy medicine for kids at school

Starting school can be an even bigger step than usual for children with allergies. And for parents. It means trusting someone else to care for your child and to help them manage their allergy symptoms.

Starting school can be an even bigger step than usual for children with allergies. And for parents. It means trusting someone else to help your child manage their symptoms

Starting school can be an even bigger step than usual for children with allergies. And for parents. It means trusting someone else to help your child manage their symptoms

The preparation starts well before their first day. If the school doesn’t ask about allergies – and they may well do – get in touch to explain. Share your child’s treatment or management plan if you have one. And find out how the school manages allergy medicine for kids, particularly epinephrine pens. And that your child’s teachers know how to use one in case of a severe reaction. Part of getting your little one ready will be making sure they know how to get help quickly too.

Putting kids in charge of their allergy medications

We want to help our kids with severe allergies become happily independent. That means teaching them to be responsible for their own allergy medicine. When the time is right. First they need to understand anaphylaxis and what the symptoms might feel like.

There are some guidelines. For instance, children may be ready to carry their own epinephrine pens in a waist pack from as young as six or seven. In high school they must know how to use them too. Training pens can help.

But every child is different. This is something to discuss with your family doctor or allergist.

Starting school can be an even bigger step than usual for children with allergies. And for parents. It means trusting someone else to help your child manage their symptoms

The preparation starts well before their first day. If the school doesn’t ask about allergies – and they may well do – get in touch to explain. Share your child’s treatment or management plan if you have one. And find out how the school manages allergy medicine for kids, particularly epinephrine pens. And that your child’s teachers know how to use one in case of a severe reaction. Part of getting your little one ready will be making sure they know how to get help quickly too.

Putting kids in charge of their allergy medications

We want to help our kids with severe allergies become happily independent. That means teaching them to be responsible for their own allergy medicine. When the time is right. First they need to understand anaphylaxis and what the symptoms might feel like.

There are some guidelines. For instance, children may be ready to carry their own epinephrine pens in a waist pack from as young as six or seven. In high school they must know how to use them too. Training pens can help.

But every child is different. This is something to discuss with your family doctor or allergist.

Long-term allergy medicine for kids

There isn’t a cure for your child’s allergy yet but immunotherapy may reduce their symptoms and the need for allergy medicine for kids. Repeated tiny doses of the allergen gradually retrain the immune system so it reacts less or not at all. Immunotherapy is only available for children for some triggers. That may be as allergy shots (injections) or tablets that dissolve under the tongue. It depends on the allergy and their age.

Kids need to be old enough to describe clearly any adverse reaction to the treatment. So it’s not usually given to under-fives. Grass and ragweed allergy tablets start from age five.

The treatment takes three to five years, with weekly and monthly medical appointments if your child is having the injections. Immunotherapy is a commitment. Use our online search tool to find an allergist nearby. Then you can ask your family doctor for a referral.

There isn’t a cure for your child’s allergy yet but immunotherapy may reduce their symptoms and the need for allergy medicine for kids. Repeated tiny doses of the allergen gradually retrain the immune system so it reacts less or not at all. Immunotherapy is only available for children for some triggers. That may be as allergy shots (injections) or tablets that dissolve under the tongue. It depends on the allergy and their age.

Kids need to be old enough to describe clearly any adverse reaction to the treatment. So it’s not usually given to under-fives. Grass and ragweed allergy tablets start from age five.

The treatment takes three to five years, with weekly and monthly medical appointments if your child is having the injections. Immunotherapy is a commitment. Use our online search tool to find an allergist nearby. Then you can ask your family doctor for a referral.

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