8Yr Old Sneezes a Lot Every Morning

How old is your youngest with the sneezing issue? My son was about 4 years old when he began sneezing regularly. And it wasn't just A sneeze at predictable times of day. It was repetitive sneezing (like 4 or 5 sneezes in rapid succession) a few times a day.

His preschool teacher even noticed and asked if he could be allergic to anything in her room.

Fast forward to about age 7 and son was diagnoses with allergic rhinitis (season allergies) that were severe enough that he had "the tell tale wrinkle across his nose" from where he would wipe with his hand. He was prescribed Singulair, but the tablets gave him stomach aches about 30 minutes after he took them, so we discontinued use. Then he was prescribed a nasal spray (I think Nasonex) and it seemed to help a little, but not 100% effective, even combined with OTC antihistamines. Then his doctor closed his practice to move out of state (he was overwhelmed running a private, single physician practice, and moved to be nearer his own extended family and be in a group practice so he actually had some family time). It took us a while to find another family physician we were happy with. By then, it had become such a normal part of life that I just bought the bulk boxes of Claritin or whatever and went on with life.

Then we looked into immunotherapy. At age 11 (almost 12) son started getting allergy injections to combat his "season" allergies (that were continual from one season to the next with various different allergens, so that he had symptoms all year round except for about 2 weeks in December... literally). They did a blood panel and turns out he did in fact have allergens he was reactive to that occurred all throughout the year, except there were a few weeks in December that nothing was in bloom or pollinating, or whatever. Those 2 weeks were the only relief he got. OTC stuff did nothing by then. And sometimes, he would have a cold the 2 weeks he didn't have allergies happening.

It took a few years to reach the effective/maintenance dose with his shots, but now, at 17, he is virtually free of all symptoms (unless he is in close contact with a cat.. this allergy developed in high school and wasn't part of the panel of allergens he was treated for). I no longer need stock in Kleenex or Puffs. And I occasionally notice that we don't have an Allegra or Zyrtec in the house!

All that to say, it may be that your youngest has allergies developing. Age 4 is about when it started with my son. So, be aware that that is what it might be, and if it turns out to be the case, consider testing and immunotherapy. According to our doctor, it is most effective when done before puberty. After that, early adulthood or adults do not have the same effectiveness rate with the treatments, AND they treatment time lasts much longer. For my pre-pubescent son it was 4.5 years. For adults, it can be 6 years.
But... it worked. And I feel terrible when I think back and realize that we might could have treated his allergies sooner and he might have had relief from that all much sooner. Not only did it affect him during the day, but he finally was able to get a restful night's sleep! Which is crucial for growing kids. :/

She's picking up pollen outside and bringing it inside on her body, clothing, hair, etc so if she plays in her room a lot then deep cleaning and putting the pillow and mattress in coverings might help a lot. Also having her change clothes in the bathroom and putting outside clothes in a hamper that isn't in her room might help.

My husband suffers from serious allergies and he needs to rinse off his hair each night, saline out his nose each night and put a fresh pillowcase on each night. The allergens that he gathers on his body and hair each night rub off on the pillow and then my morning he is miserable unless he does these things.

Good luck!

Hi G.,

They have pediatric Allegra and Claritin that helped mine a great deal when he was that age. I know you don't want to overmedicate but if her symptoms warrant it then she should be treated. Mine is 14 and his height/weight can handle an adult dose and there are times during the year....spring and fall before the first hard freeze mostly...when he takes an allergy pill daily.

Have you had her examined by an allergist? It's not the funnest (not sure that's a word) appointment but they tend to be really detailed and the testing could reveal an allergy to something you're not even expecting. I'm sure your pediatrician could give you a trusted referral. She has my sympathy....I remember spending the first hour of my day sneezing and blowing at about the same age and it's not a fun way to start the day. :-( S.

Her nose dries out while she's asleep. When she wakes up again it's all crackly inside. The tickles make her sneeze. Try giving her more water throughout the day to help if she could be dehydrated. Then a humidifier might help too.

What is she allergic to? Have you had her tested?

One of my kids has bad allergies and seasonal ones too. He sleeps with the window closed. I used dust mite coverings on his bedding and mattress. No carpet or rugs. Shouldn't have drapes either (minimal window coverings, and clean blinds regularly).

An air purifier in her bedroom probably would work wonders.

My husband has allergies and does the Netti pot. Honestly, I don't notice a difference in his symptoms, but he says he does.

My son uses a nasal spray every day and he takes allergy pills every day. The nasal spray has to be used consistently to be effective.

Good luck :)