10 Yr Old Daughter with Allergies

Updated on April 16, 2009
M.C. asks from McAllen, TX
31 answers

My 10 yr old daughter has been suffering from seasonal allergies all her life, but they have gotten worse in the last year. She constantly has a stuffy/runny nose. We have tried Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, Nasonex, Deconsal, and just recently Singular. The only thing that has worked is Singular, but the side effects are so severe that we had to stop using it. I'm hoping some of you moms can give me advice on what to try. I'd like to find something herbal if at all possible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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A.B.

answers from Odessa on

If they are as bad as you make them sound I would take her to have her allergy tested and start allergy shots/drops.

Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

I'm assuming you're trying all of these medications under a doctor's care after a full range of allergy tests? There are specific things that can be done for indoor and outdoor allergies such as hepa filters on vacuums, air filters, allergy barriers, etc., but without more information it's a bit difficult to make recommendations. One thing I would recommend is NOT using herbals for a 10 year old. The herbal industry is unregulated in this country and a lot of the ingredients come from China. Not the sort of the thing you want to put in a growing body.

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T.V.

answers from Houston on

Chances are if she is allergic to pollen and weeds, herbal may not help because a lot of them ARE weeds. I would suggest two things 1. local, raw honey and 2. Raw milk. Honey has amazing healing properities, and both have other benefits and the ability to help relieve allergies! Send me a message and I can help you find places to get both (or you can google). I use both raw honey and milk in my home for my family and wouldn't trade them!

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K.T.

answers from Austin on

Hi Myra,

I am a mother of 4 and a health counselor, I too had very bad seasonal allergies my whole life. But no longer. I trained at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City.

I work with moms and families by helping them to change their food and lifestyle choices that are best for your body.

By making these changes, you heal your body and magically the allergies go away. If given the right nutrients, your body knows how to heal itself.

I can do a free health history on your daughter and you if you would like.

My business is listed in the mamasource business section.

You can also email me at ____@____.com I can give you my website and you can download a free health history form and send it back to me. Good luck K.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.C.

answers from Austin on

I have terrible allergies and have recently started using a neti pot (Sinuclense is one brand name, they sell them at drugstores). You just put warm water and a salt/baking soda mix in this pot and pour it up your nose, letting it run out the other side. It washes the sinuses and has performed miracles in my life! I still have allergies, but if I wash my sinuses in the morning and at night it really controls the congestion, so I can breath. I think they make a kids version that you could try.

Good luck!
Sherri

2 moms found this helpful
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B.R.

answers from Austin on

A natural way to help allergies is to use an excellent-quality, negative ion producing, air filter. NIKKEN makes one, called the Air Power Five Pro. Unlike most air filters, it does not produce ozone, and is very helpful to folks with allergies. Please visit my website at www.nikken.com/brendaramsey and click on the icons about the Wellness Home to watch some informational videos. You can also see the entire product line by clicking on "Shop NIKKEN Products". Sleeping with this air filter in my bedroom has helped me to avoid my usual allergy-related illness this year, and greatly improved my overall health.

2 moms found this helpful
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R.N.

answers from Houston on

I didn't read all the responses but just wanted to suggest that if you haven't had her allergy tested you may want to do that. I thought my 9 year old had allergies (as I do) because she was always stuffy and drippy. It turned out that she really doesn't suffer from allergies at all, but rather from asthma that affect her entire airway. So every time she got a cold she would continue to stay stuffed up for weeks until her asthma settled down. We got her on a maintenance program for her asthma (Flovent) and she is fine now. Things aren't always what they seem! Good luck.

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S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

We have air filters in bedrooms, with the HEPA filter in to clean the air. We like the Hunter brand. It provides a little white noise too tha tblocks out the traffic noise and all the barking dogs.

Clean bedding often. We vacuum often. If pets, keep them out of the bedrooms! We did not clean air ducts, but I know of someone who had that done, b/c their kids allergies were always bad, even on meds.

One of my boys became allergic to our beautiful little rescue cat after we had her for 3 years. The kids were crushed at the thought of having to give her away. So we went the air filter, clean bedrooms and floors, clean sheets route. It helped a lot.

Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from San Antonio on

I used to work in allergy/immunology. Herbal supplements are not recommended because they aren't regulated and can contain ingredients that cross-react and cause the same symptoms (if not worse) that you are trying to stop. For example, grape extracts can cross-react with Bermuda grass. Some things you might try include using allergy barriers on pillows/mattresses, vaccuuming frequently, use your AC frequently because it acts as a filtration system, don't leave house or car windows open (especially in the morning when pollen counts are at their highest) and have your daughter wash her hair at night so that any pollen in her hair is not deposited onto her pillow so while she sleeps, she is not breathing in the allergens.

2 moms found this helpful
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F.H.

answers from Waco on

Hello M.,
We had a similar problem with my nine year old daughter. She was on nasonex and Zyrtec most of her life and we even tried Singular. But about a year and a half ago I started reading a book about the allergens we are exposing our children to with just regular household items. So I got rid of all my scented candles etc. I switched to an all natural detergent that uses a minimal amount of essential oils, and I gave away all my cleaning products and switched to vinegar and baking soda. Over the last year we have only had to buy one bottle of Zyrtec (we still have some left) My kids only use it when seasonal allergies are just really bad. No more nasonex, no more trips to the doctors- it's great. Oh yeah, local honey (it has to be local though)is supposed to help.
Hope this Helps!

2 moms found this helpful

D.F.

answers from San Antonio on

M. you did not say where you live. That is also a huge factor on the antedote. We moved from Houston to New Braunfels and my daughter has suffered the most. We had her tested, 65 pokes on the back to see exactly what she is allergic to. Oak and Pecan, which are the main trees in our beautiful little town. So she was miserable! We started shots, covered her pillows and mattress, removed ALL stuffed animals from her room, she cannot have curtains either because they gather too much dust. It is a long process and time consuming. She was starting to get better, then the Oak count shot up, so she is having a hard time again. It is safer to consult the professsionals so that you do not make any accidental mistakes. Good Luck and God Bless!!

2 moms found this helpful
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N.T.

answers from El Paso on

Hi I work in an Allergy clinic and we do enviromental allergy testing, so maybe you should take your daughter to an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist. They will decide if she needs any further testing. Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.L.

answers from Houston on

I can definitely relate. I've had allergies myself since I was a young child. The one thing that has given me great relief without any side effects is grape seed extract. I get it directly from the manufacturing company I shop with. But, grape seed extract is a known all-natural antihistamine. It's also anti-inflammatory so it's great for other things as well. But I've noticed that my allergies have GREATLY reduced because of this supplement. If you want specific details, send me a private message. Have you ever considered switching your home & personal care products over to non-toxic, healthier options? Typical cleaning & laundry products from the store contain very dangerous chemicals that can trigger all kinds of problems - asthma, allergies, eczema, etc. Many personal care items also contain formaldehyde (which has been linked to many health problems including cancer) and that can also trigger breathing problems and skin irritations. Just send me a pm if you want more details. I'm happy to help. :)

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S.W.

answers from Houston on

Avoid dairy and reduce sugar from her diet significantly. We use a waterless vaporizor (it is our friend), give our daughter a bath at night to wash the pollen off her body and hair, and wash her sheets in hot water weekly. Also change her pillow case more often than once a week. An apple a day also helps control her symptoms. I cut one up everyday for her snack. Hope this helps.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

This year has been a horrible year regarding allergies. No medication will take them all away when the air is like it has been this year. I've been miserable since January. Keep her on Claritin. It will help the misery. Without it, she will be worse. With it, she may still seem bad. That's just part of it. Keep the air humid!!! Nasal saline rinses help. I've borrowed my sister's personal steamer - you put your face in the steam. It's wonderful. Vicks at night. Drink lots of water. Etc. All of these will help ease allergy symptoms. But, they won't disappear unless you possible get expensive treatments (shots/surgery). Good vitamins help too. My kids now take BerryWell mixed with liquid vitamins, SuperKids (beeyoutiful.com)- allergies are to a minimum for them, when they can be just as bad as me.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.K.

answers from Houston on

You could try local honey. You can get it at Canino's Market at 610/Airline, or there's a guy with a canopy that sells it from Spring. He's at Spring Cypress and Kuykendahl at the Chevron. One tablespoon per day should do the trick. Make sure it comes from some place within 150 miles of your home. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Waco on

Hi M.,
there are a lot of things that add to the misery of seasonal allergies- mostly household cleaners are the culprits- There are natural ways to help your daughter without breaking the bank and changing your lifestyle. first- you need to rid your home of the toxic chemically treated household cleaners - especiall your laundry products- Please PM me or e mail me a phone # where I can contact you with some alternative suggestions. I am not trying to sell you anything, just let you know about the alternatives and how they have helped us and my grand children.
Good luck- blessings

1 mom found this helpful
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S.J.

answers from Austin on

My Son has really bad allergies. And we have done all the meds as well. He had really bad behavior problems everytime I gave him Zyrtec. Then after doing research it does have that side effect. Now we do Sinupret and so far so good. He's been sleeping better and no temper. But we have only been on it for a few weeks. But it's natural and worth a try.
Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.H.

answers from Houston on

Nature's Sunshine makes ALJ. Works like a charm. Liquid, tabs or caps. My health food store stocks them or you could go online and order. You will notice improvement right away. No grogginess or drug interactions. All natural. I've used them for my kids for yrs. HTH

1 mom found this helpful
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B.H.

answers from Corpus Christi on

I am sorry you are having problems with the Singular. I wasn't aware that there were severe side affects. I have 6 grandchildren, the youngest 4 yrs. and myself that are all taking it and it really helps us all without any side effects. I have had allergies since I was 16 and I am now 57 and in the past 2 years I have finally found the relief I craved for so long... I hope that you do find something for your daughter...allergies are so miserable...God Bless You!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.B.

answers from Austin on

Same story, different ages for us! My 4 year old tried all western meds and accupuncture and chinese herbs. At the end of my rope and on our 5th round of 20 day antibiotics in 4 months, we tried OTC sudafed. She has not had an infection in almost 4 months now. My husband also does sudafed and the nettpot. No meds worked for him either. Your 10 yr old is probably old enough to do the nttpot. Symptoms still occur, but much more manageable than when they were on meds, and they haven't progressed to infections.

1 mom found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

You have been given great suggestions.. One of the main things we also did in our home, was get rid of all of the carpets.

No curtains, cleaned all of her linens at least once a week washed her comforter 2 times a month (we had a second fresh and bright one wrapped in her closet for when guest came over).

The Hunter filter was the best. During really bad seasons we had to change the filter every 3 weeks, other wise every 4 weeks. You will be amazed at the gunk it collects.

I also had her swab our her nostrils each morning and each evening.

We also tried to keep her bedroom door closed when she was not in there.

I am sorry your daughter is so miserable. I have a very good friend who always suffered with allergies, she finally broke down and started shots.. after 2 years of treatments, she did not have even one problem with allergies..

1 mom found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Houston on

Buy some local honey. I stress the LOCAL part. Honey is made by bees with pollen that they get from flowers. If your daughter will take at least a tablespoon of LOCAL honey every day (and use it on biscuits, instead of syrup for pancakes/waffles, in ice tea, etc) she will see a large reduction in her allergy symptoms. I am not saying they will go away altogether, but she wont be as miserable. The reason it works is that the pollen from the plants she is allergic to is what the bees make the honey from, so its like getting a vaccination, only no needles. Her body will slowly build an immunity to the pollen. It wont happen overnight, but it beats using a lot of medications!

1 mom found this helpful
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P.B.

answers from Houston on

First you need to rid your house of any harmful chemicals, go to more eviromentally friendly cleaners - Shaklee and Melaluca are 2 companies that I know are wonderful. Have your daughter bathe the minute she comes inside for the night - washing all the allergens off from her day. Once I did those 2 things, my son went from asmatic to slight reaction seasonally. It made all the difference in the world. THEN maybe an over the counter will work!! At least it has with mine! Good luck. If you're in the Woodlands or Conroe area, I can certainly help you with the products. If not, I know Shaklee's website can get a local person for you and I'm sure that Melaluca can too.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.D.

answers from Austin on

The chiropractor I see has all kinds of natural alternative treatments for allergies from herbal, to NAET, to homeopathics, to saline rinse, and yes, sometimes chiropractic can help a stuffy nose as well. (I've had my ears and jaw adjusted and this helps my nose1) Call her, Dr. Tenesha Weine, ###-###-####
in SW Austin, tell her C. sent you and get $40 off the first visit, reg. $165

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K.K.

answers from Houston on

Give Xango juice a try. It's safe, easy and tastes great. It is a natural product, so claims cannot be made, but I know many people that have had great results with allergies. They also have a 30 day money back guarantee, so there's no risk. Check out my website: www.tryxjuice.com
Call me if you would like a free sample or more info.
Blessings,
K.
###-###-####

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K.D.

answers from El Paso on

What if you use a combination of things. My daughter has asthma/allergies. She's 8. If her allergies get out of control, her asthma gets really bad, so we have to control the allergies. She takes singular and zyrtec in the morning. At bed she does nasonex. If need be we do astlin(nose spray) in the morning. Since we are in winding season, on windy days(25 mph+) she stays in as much as possible. No PE outside. You can have your Dr. write you a note. And she bathes at night to get pollutens off her. It sounds like alot, but it helps. I know that there are allergy shots, but they are once sometimes twice a week for long period. I wouldn't put her through a allergy test unless you have no choice. It is not fun.

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D.R.

answers from Houston on

If you really want help contact me. I am not going to try to sell you any thing I will just tell you the facts of what works. I have been a Wellness consultant for over 15yrs and I do not charge for this information. Contact me and I will give you my # and we can talk.

R.W.

answers from San Antonio on

Singulair is good. Our son has been on it for a couple of years now. My husband and I both have allergies. I take a teaspoonful of honey with a few sips of water before bedtime. It needs to be honey in the state that you live in. I live in San Antonio, and buy honey that's made in Texas.

Good Luck.

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C.H.

answers from Houston on

M.,
I've found the homemade neti pot (bulb syringe with saline solution) to be a lifesaver--especially when pregnant and I couldn't take any meds. Do it 3x/day for the first day or two, then probably only once or at most twice a day after that. Instructions are on the mayo clinic website (search "nasal lavage"), with a video. She will need to do it throughout the season. But by keeping the pollen, etc., out of her nose, her immune system won't have time to mount a response.

I would also suggest eliminating all "chemical" body products, cleaners, laundry soaps, etc. If you or pets go outside, try to minimize mornings (when more pollen is out) and to either towel off pets or change clothes and wash your hair afterwards (so you don't track pollen, etc., into the house). I also prefer blinds and no carpet--easier to keep clean. Filters would also probably help.

If the stuff above doesn't work, I'd suggest an allergy workup--and make sure they include food allergies. You can try "elimination diet" to test for food allergies or sensitivities yourself by eliminating a food for 3 days - 2 weeks at a time. Milk (or cassein in the milk) is fairly common, and can cause those symptoms. There are different kinds of allergic responses to food; white flour gives me "allergy eyes", for example. Once you have results, you can shop around for different treatments (you don't have to do the shots).

Good luck!
C.

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L.P.

answers from Austin on

Hello there I am a Shaklee distributor I can suggest a few things my web site is www.shaklee.net/healthydesire and my email address is ____@____.com i will be more than happy to speak with you

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