Allergies

Seasonal allergies, or hayfever, are very common at this time of year. Typical symptoms include watery, itchy, red eyes; a clear runny nose; sneezing; and an itchy palate or throat. The most common triggers are trees and pollen in the spring, grasses in the summer, weeds in the fall, and indoor dust & mold during winter season.

Effective non-sedating medications are now available for children over the age of 2 without a prescription for treatment of seasonal allergies. These include loratadine (generic Claritin), Cetirizine (generic of Zyrtec), Fexofenadine (generic of Allegra). They are prefered to Benadryl that is more sedating and has shorter effect. These medications can be given daily for allergy symptoms, ideally starting before the allergy season approaches.

Check the website of the American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) for information about pollen and mold levels in the area. There are multiple websites to help you learn about environmental control of allergens at home.If you think your child has seasonal allergies and he or she is not responding to medication OR if you are not sure, please make an appointment in our office.

Many children do not require allergy testing if they respond to treatment with medication as needed.