Is It Allergies?

My daughter is now 8 and she goes through this every year with allergies. I just give her the medicine the doctor said to take and try to make it as easy as possible. I use a cool mist humidifier at night in her room and try to put more pillows under her head so the post nasal drip doesn't cause ear infections or more mucus in her throat. Hang in there.

i would say its allergies. try 1/4-1/2 tspn of childrens benadryl (i use it with the drs ok for my 2 year old). 2-3 times a day. i would watch the cough though. your son could have asthma and it may be triggered by these allergies. if your son coughs worse at night or durring active play i would lean towards asthma. but like the dr said it may just be a virus and also his teeth. just watch him. good luck!

B.,

Mommy of an allergy toddler...and I am a hay fever mess too. But, here's the thing, you don't want to just medicate your child without knowing for sure. My son is on Singular daily and inhalers for the allergy related asthma that can rear it's head during pollen season.

Based on the input of my son's Pedi and my own ENT, I went with the simple solution of evaluating the symptoms and making sure it wasn't teething first. Molars can cause similar issues, and if he's teething he may just need time to get past that.

If you're really concerned it's allergies then, go with the allergy test to confirm it. I did a journal of instances and based on that the Pedi made his diagnosis. We were at the office ALL the time for runny nose and puffy eyes.

But, remember follow your instincts first!!

I haven't read your other responses so sorry if this is repetitive. We recently had our son tested for the most common allergies (several grasses, several molds, dust mites, dogs, cats, etc.) based on the recommendation of our pediatirician. The test was a blood test so that part was tough, but easier I hear than the old pin prick type of testing. Anyway, in about two days we found out our little guy has none of the most common environmental allergies and so his coughing/runny nose must just be a bug. It was relieving to me to know that he does not have those common allergies. There may be others out there that he'll have (airborne like I occassionally suffer from) but at least the major ones are now ruled out. This could give you some answers you're searching for. Good luck!

Hi B.,

Welcome to the club! My dd's have always had this problem; it just comes and goes. I've found it important to keep them hydrated, and I have them avoid dairy products while it's going on - it seems to make their symptoms less severe. Sometimes it helps to have a humidifier going, other times it makes it worse, I think because it encourages growth of molds. I sometimes use benadryl at night if they're having trouble sleeping, but only after age 2.

Hope this helps!

Hi B.:
Please don't be to quick to label him with allergies. While Drs. almost refuse to admit it, many babies get cold like symptoms when they are having problems with teeth coming in. You mentioned your sons molars trying to pop through.They also have been known to get a slight fever and a little diarrhea.Mothers notice these things more than any Dr.We're with them every day.Hang in there mom. As long as your sons mucus is not green, he shows no signs of infection. I'm betting Once those molars come through he will be back to his old self.What do you say moms? Sound familiar?

The coughing and sneezing does sound environmental and the running nose could be either allergies or the teething. When my daughter was cutting teething her nose would sometimes run for a few days as a side effect.

A great tip I got years ago for allergies is to get your hands on some local honey. Harvested the closer to where you live, the better. The bees that made it will have used the 'wildlife' that is affecting your son's allergies. If you feed him a bit of this honey I've heard it can help him be less sensitive to the flora and fauna.

Check out your local farmers market and see if there is a local honey farm there. Burbank Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings has a honey stand. The owner can tell you all about the great benefits of honey and bee pollen far better than I can, but I hope this helps!

S.

Stork's Best Friend
www.storksbestfriend.com

Sounds like allergies, but usually a child has to be around something for years to develope an allergy....I was told allergies set in around age 3 if they get them. (I mean seasonal...food and stuff is different) If you take your babe to an allergist they can test to find out...it's a non invasive and non-painful test!

My daughter, who turned two in January, has also presented with the same symptoms. Initialy I thought it was a cold or teething, but it lingered for so long. Having allergies myself since childhood, I first added an air purifier to her room and added allergy fighting plants around the house. This has helped, but the symptoms still remain. The Dr. suggested Claritin for children. It doesn't have to be given daily, but can be. Here is a link to Dr. Sears website about Children's Calritin: http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/mc4.asp

Our Pediatrician does not recommend Benadryl because of it can cause drowsiness, but he said Claritin does not cause sedation.

Just a friendly reminder...make sure you talk to your Pediatrician first before trying it.

My 31 yr old son developed allergies & asthma at the age of two & that is exactly how it started...at least you will know how to handle it since you alsao suffer. Allergies suck!!! Good luck

Hi B.,
Cool mist humidifier at night and saline spray during the day should help! Good luck!

B. N

I know the feeling, I have allergies and have had them for years. The symptoms will always appear with runny nose, sore throats, and sneezing. These are also many of the symptoms of several virus' that are very common for children. I too was told that if it is a virus to allow the virus to run its course and ones immunities will be twice as strong if and when the virus appears again. It is true, my daughter when she was younger (she is now over 30) has an amazing immune system for flues, and measles (she caught both). Runny noses also appear when a child is teething.

Sorry about the divorce, however as you said it is "so hard and sad but for the best for all involved." Like you I am divorced as well, and the stress can lower ones immune system and its capabilities to fight off allergies and virus'. Follow your doctors advise and keep the doctor informed as to your son's condition. If anything changes contact your doctor immediately.