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Hay Fever, Nose Allergies

Antihistamines: Give antihistamines continuously during pollen season (continuously is the key to control).
- Chlorpheniramine (e.g., Chlortrimeton) products are effective and don't need a prescription. (Any antihistamine you have will do, but some may cause more drowsiness.)
- Loratadine: newer antihistamine that causes less sedation. This was made available over-the-counter (OTC) in 2003.
  - Dosage: 10 mg tablet once daily in morning (orally dissovling tablet also available).
  - Indication: Weight is less than 66 pounds (30 kg) AND drowsiness interferes with school.
  - Limitation: does not control hay fever as well as older antihistamines.
Eye Allergies: For eye symptoms, wash the pollen off the face and eyelids. Then apply cold compressses. Antihistamine vasoconstrictor eyedrops (no prescription needed) will also help.
Wash Off Pollen: Remove pollen from the nose with nasal washes (using warm tap water) whenever needed. Instill 2 or 3 nosedrops in each nostril followed by blowing the nose. Repeat until open. Remove pollen from the hair and skin with hair-washing and a shower, especially before bedtime.
Expected Course: Since pollen allergies recure each year, learn to control the symptoms.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.