2865 Chancellor Drive Suite 225
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
(859) 341-5400
What are the symptoms?
Classic seasonal allergy symptoms are: Itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose,
clear runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. Eyes and eyelids may
become red and swollen, especially in spring with tree pollens. Sleep may
be interrupted.
• What causes allergy symptoms?
An allergy
allergy is a chronic disease caused by overreaction of the immune
system to a substance. Determining when the symptoms are present will
help determine what is causing the symptoms. Seasonal allergies are
typically present in one or more seasons. In the spring
spring, allergies are often
caused by tree pollens; in the summer, grass
grass; and in the fall, ragweed.
Perennial allergies are allergies that can occur any time of the year or all
year around. These are due to indoor allergen exposures such as animal
dander, indoor molds, or dust mites.
My Allergy Medicine(s):
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When to take them:
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• How are allergies treated?
A very important part of treating allergies is to avoid the allergen as much as possible.. Pediatric Associates recommends
the following for children who have seasonal allergies:
• Bath or shower daily after being outside during allergy season,, including rinsing the eyes
• Close windows and use AC when symptoms present
A second line of treatment for allergies is medication.
medication Medicine can be given as needed or every day if symptoms are
persistent or more severe.
vere. There are over the counter and prescription medications. Over the counter (OTC)
medications include oral antihistamines (sedating such as Benadryl or nonsedating such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra).
Non-sedating
sedating medications are preferred. A guide to dosing for non-sedating
sedating antihistamines is on the back of this
handout. Generic versions of any of these medications are acceptable. Oral antihistamines help with itchy eyes/nose,
sneezing and clear runny nose. Allergy
llergy eye drops are also available which
ich can be helpful for eye symptoms. Our
preferred over the counter allergy eye drop is ketotifen (Zaditor or Alaway brands) which can be used ages 3 years & up.
Prescription medications can be considered for patients who have symptoms that cannot be controlled
con
with allergen
avoidance and/or OTC medications. These include inhaled nasal steroids, Singulair, certain eye drops, and oral steroids.
• When should I make an appointment at Pediatric Associates for my child(ren) with allergies?
Office visits are advised if: symptoms are not controlled with over the counter medications (and home modifications);
modifications)
you are unsure about the diagnosis; or you suspect secondary complications (sinus infections, ear infections, or asthma
symptoms acting up). Our providers can assess your child and provide prescription medications, evaluate for secondary
infections, and help determine when consultation with an allergist may be indicated.
• When should my child see an allergist?
Patients who are not responding
ponding to medical therapy or have complications may benefit from allergy testing and
possibly allergy shots (immunotherapy). Children who may benefit from this include those who have: moderate to
severe allergies, incomplete or no response to medicati
medications, those with coexistent asthma, those with complications
(recurrent ear or sinus infections), those with side effects from medications, those requiring oral steroids, and those
whose management might be enhanced by identifying triggers (especially those with perennial allergies).
allergies)
2013 Over the Counter Nonsedating Antihistamine Guide
Claritin
(Generic is Loratadine)
Under 2 years
2-6 years
Over 6 years
Syrup 5 mg/5mL
Not labeled for this
age, discuss with
provider
1 tsp (5 mL) once a day
2 tsp (10 mL) once a day
Chewable 5 mg tabs
Reditabs (dissolving) 5 mg
Tablets 10 mg
Claritin D 12 hour
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
One tab once a day
N/A
N/A
N/A
2 tablets (10 mg) once a day
One tablet every 12 hours
One tablet once a day
N/A
Over 12 years
One tab every 12 hrs
Zyrtec
(Generic is Cetirizine)
Syrup 5 mg/5 mL**
Chewables 10 mg**
Tablets 10 mg
Zyrtec D 12 hour
Under 2 years
2-6 years
Over 6 years and under 12 years
Not labeled for this
age, discuss with
provider
1/2 tsp (2.5mL) once a
day up to 5 mL once a
day or 1/2 tsp BID
1-2 tsp (5-10 mL) once a day
N/A
N/A
One once a day
N/A
N/A
One once a day
N/A
N/A
N/A
** 3/8/13 Website says currently unavailable as a brand (may be available generic)
Over 12 years
One tab every 12 hrs
Allegra
(Generic is Fexofenadine)
Syrup 30 mg/5 mL
Under 2 years
2-6 years
Over 6 years and under 12 years
Over 12 years
Not licensed
1 tsp (5 mL) every 12 hours
2 tsp (10 mL) every 12
hrs
Orally dissolving 30 mg
N/A
N/A
1 tab every 12 hours
2 tab every 12 hrs
60 mg tablets
180 mg tablets (24 hour)
Allegra D 12 hour
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
One every 12 hrs
One tab once a day
One tab every 12 hrs