Allergy Medications

May 20, 2008

Allergy medications can help control seasonal allergy symptoms but sometimes the side effects are worse than the symptoms. Think before you give your child a syrup that may only put her to sleep:
Nasal spray steroids. corticosteroid nasal sprays are very effective for seasonal allergies but can take at least a week to work.

Antihistamines. Antihistamines really help to relieve itching, as well as congestion and runny nose. But their effectiveness is directly correlated with their sedation effect.
Decongestants. These are short-acting medications that should only be used for a few days.they don’t solve the problem but can make your child more comfortable for the short-term.
Allergy Shots: This treatment may be right for your child but only under the supervision of a licensed immunologist.
Nasal irrigation. ( Neti Pots, saline flushes) This involves flushing out mucus and irritants from your nose with a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, a small container with a spout designed for nose rinsing.
Herbal remedies and supplements. There are several claims about the effectiveness of the shrub butterbur, as well as cat’s claw, choline, goldenseal, stinging nettle, belladonna and bromelain.
I am a big believer in nutritional healing and probiotics. During allergy season reduce your child’s wheat and dairy intake, avoid high- sugar content snacks that increase yeast growth, and be sure they stay well-hydrated. Yogurts with probiotics, or a probiotic supplement like FloraStor ( www.florastor.com) are a great way to prevent allergic stomaches.