If your child has a cough, runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms, you might think it’s a cold. But allergies can have the same symptoms. So what medications should you give your child to treat his symptoms?
This is a common and sometimes confusing question, but very relevant! The congestion, headache, and sneezing can make your child feel foggy and tired. So should you have her take allergy medications or cold medications to feel better?
Your doctor may ask you or your child several questions to help delineate between the two. Have you noticed that your child gets sick at the start of every new season? If so, his symptoms may be more related to allergies versus the common cold. Also, the absence of fever and body aches points more toward allergies.
What medications will help?
Keeping your child hydrated and well-rested is always a good idea. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec (Cetirizine) or Allegra (Fexofenadine), as well as intranasal steriods, help with decreasing the allergic response. Additionally, it’s important to know that Zyrtec can cause drowsiness in some kids, so try to give it to your child before bed. It is worth mentioning that there is a paradoxical hyper-reactive response with Zyrtec (some children may exhibit hyper-alertness, excitability, and hyperactivity when taking it).
Can my child go to school?
Allergies can make your child feel drowsy and some medications to treat the allergies can as well. If your child is finding it difficult to concentrate or the symptoms are too bothersome, it may be better to keep her home so she can rest and sleep. If her symptom, such as sneezing, runny nose, and tiredness, are better with antihistamines, she should be okay to go to school.
Can I prevent my child from getting allergies?
There is no approved medication for preventing allergies. However, allergy immunotherapy can treat allergies unlike medications that just alleviate the symptoms. See your friendly allergist for recommendations!
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