Hi moms,
Over the last month or so, my 2.5 year old son has been constantly picking at his nose, the corners of his eyes and rubbing his mouth. When I asked him about it he said his nose itches. I took him to a pediatric allergist a couple of weeks ago and had him tested for food allergies. The test came back negative to everything except peanuts, which we already knew and never give him (we don't even keep them in the house.) The allergist said she would not test him for environmental allergies because at his age it would not be accurate. According to her, we need to wait until he turns 3. She suggested that I give him over-the-counter children's allergy medicine. I'm very hesitant about giving him allergy medicine without knowing for sure that he has allergies. I'm taking him to his regular ped tomorrow for a second opinion. Has anyone else experienced this or does anyone have any advice?
Thanks so much in advance!
Thanks so much for all the advice ladies. I took my son to his ped yesterday and was told it's possible that he could have allergies. However, the doc wasn't 100% sure and didn't recommend the environmental allergy testing. He recommended giving my son a 1/2 dose of Children's Zyrtec at night for 1 or 2 nights to see if it helps. I gave him a dose last night and today I noticed my son is barely rubbing his nose or eyes. It hasn't completely stopped, but it's a big difference. I'm also going to incorporate more fresh local foods as one mom suggested. He's already taking what I consider to be a great multivitamin, but I like the idea of boosting his immune system more. Thanks again ladies, you've been a great help!
it does sound like environmental allergies, and it is indeed problematic to treat them at such a young age. small doses of children's allergy meds are probably fine, though. i really like the suggestion to boost his own immune system overall. lots of fresh food, as much local as you can get. local foods tend to contain elements that help counter-act local allergens. it's best to work with the body.
khairete
S.
My son has allergies too. He is 32 months old but has had them since about a year old. We were also told to give OTC allergy medications. We started giving him Children's Zyrtec about 6 months ago since his allergies have been really bad. It helps some--so I only give it when it really seems to be bothering him. My pedi said he doesn't recommend allergy testing at this age because it is a whole lot of pokes. My husband has had it done and I would hate for my son to go through it.
My son tested (skin) positive for pollen at 9 mos! You can have them early, but they don't always show on the skin until later. I would recommend Zyrtec - keep it up for a week to see if it works. It won't hurt him. Of course, check w/ the Doctor first. Good luck - sounds like could be allergies.
regarding allergy medicine - are you talking about Benadryl or similar? From what I can tell, Benadryl is one of the "safest" drugs out there for all critters. We give it to our dog, cat, kids, even our goat!, and it was one of the few drugs that you're allowed to take when pregnant. so I wouldn't worry about giving Benadryl to your 2.5 year old (proper dosage! they have children's Benadryl). I have a 2.5year old son and he has taken Benadryl from time to time also.
Allergies have to do with immunities. If your son is not on a good vitamin I would consider it to build his immune system. I have a small wellness business and would be happy to send you a link to look at mine to see what you think. They are excellent.
my son just had allergy testing done for the 2nd time at 2.5, did food and enviromental. And its a scratch not a poke, my son didnt even cry or whine. Found out he is allergic to eggs and alder.
