Treating Nasal Allergies
There is no cure for nasal allergies, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms. If your child has nasal allergies, you can help too. Teach your child to manage his or her symptoms by learning how to avoid the indoor and outdoor allergens he or she reacts to, and also stress the importance of following a regular treatment plan.
Your child's doctor, allergist, or pediatrician can advise you on the most appropriate treatment option for your child's nasal allergy symptoms. Be sure to read the medication's label carefully, as some medicines are only approved for children over a certain age. Below are overviews of the major types of medications.
Non-prescription nasal allergy medicines
There are different kinds of over-the-counter (OTC) nasal allergy products you can buy to treat nasal allergy symptoms, and they do different things. The most common ones are antihistamines and decongestants.
- Antihistamines block the action of histamines, and help treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, and an itchy or runny nose. However, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
- Decongestants reduce congestion in the nose.
- Some OTC nasal allergy products contain both antihistamines and decongestants.
- Another class of OTC nasal allergy treatment for children is mast cell stabilizers. Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium, help prevent the body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation when a person is exposed to an allergen. Mast cell stabilizers typically must be used 3 to 4 times a day to provide nasal allergy symptom relief.
Prescription nasal allergy medicines
In addition to non-prescription or over-the-counter medications, there are also prescription medications available to help treat nasal allergy symptoms. These medications have proven safety profiles and are only available through a prescription from your health care professional. To learn more about what options are available to help provide relief from your child's nasal allergy symptoms, talk to your pediatrician. The major categories of prescription nasal allergy medicines approved for children are prescription antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, and prescription nasal steroids, such as NASONEX®.
Side effects
Like all medicines, nasal allergy medicines can cause side effects. Children react to medicines in different ways, so keep track of how your child is feeling on any medicine, whether it is prescription or non-prescription. Report any concerns to your child's doctor. Your doctor can help find the treatment plan that's right for your child.
Sticking with the Program
Many nasal allergy medications need to be taken regularly to be most effective. A serious consideration in selecting the right treatment for any youngster is the likelihood that the child will be able to follow the treatment plan the doctor prescribes.
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