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How To Treat Hay Fever In Children

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Hay fever in children is common. In the UK, around 10 – 15 % of children have hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes.
Some types of hay fever medications such as nasal sprays and antihistamines are only suitable for a specific age, and the type and severity of symptoms can influence the type of treatment your child should have.
This article details everything you need to know about treating a child with hay fever, including the latest health advice from our in-house clinical team.

 

Key Findings

  • Antihistamine tablets such as Loratadine and Cetirizine are safe and effective for treating hay fever symptoms in children – they are usually taken in liquid form and dosed by age and weight. 
  • Parents can also make easy lifestyle adjustments such as keeping an eye on pollen counts, avoiding smoking around children, closing windows, and washing kids' clothing after outdoor playtime, to reduce pollen exposure.  
  • Book an appointment to see a GP if your child’s hay fever symptoms are not improving despite treatment. 

The Best Hay Fever Treatments for Children

Loratadine

Loratadine is an excellent hay fever remedy for children aged two years and over, weighing 30kg or more. Its non-drowsy formulation shouldn’t affect your child’s energy levels throughout the day, while it offers powerful protection against irritating pollen morning through to night.  

You should always dose as advised by your doctor or pharmacist and read the enclosed patient information leaflet before giving your child this antihistamine. Loratadine is also available in both a liquid and syrup formulation.

Cetirizine

Cetirizine works fast, which makes it ideal for irritable or agitated children. This popular hay fever medicine is non-drowsy and the effects last for up to 24 hours, helping to relieve bothersome symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny or blocked nose, and sneezing.   

The latest NHS health guidelines state that kids six years and older can take cetirizine tablets and liquid. Children aged one and over can take cetirizine in liquid form, prescribed by their doctor. When giving children hay fever medication, it’s important to dose exactly as advised.  

Things Parents Should Consider Before Buying Hay Fever Medication

Some antihistamines may have age restrictions, and certain conditions like asthma or kidney issues can require an adjustment to dosage or special consideration.  

It’s best to consult with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the medication is appropriate for your child’s age and medical history. Review the active ingredients to avoid potential allergies or interactions with other medications.  

Some side effects, such as drowsiness, could impact your child’s daily activities in school or play, so check whether the medication is non-drowsy or has side effects like sedation.  

The most widely used antihistamines are in tablet form, but there are alternatives such as liquid, syrup, and chewable tablets, which can be chosen based on your child’s ability to take them.  

Antihistamines are proven to be both safe and effective for children. You can consider natural or preventive measures such as checking pollen counts, buying protective clothing for them to wear when outdoors, and keeping pollen outside by closing windows and doors to help minimise the need for medication. 

Parental Advice for Treating Children With Hay Fever

Keeping Allergens at Bay

  • Try to keep kids' outdoor activities to a minimum during peak pollen seasons, especially on windy days.  
  • Check pollen forecasts and plan activities when levels are lower. 
  • Keep windows closed at home and in the car, especially in the morning when pollen counts are higher. 
  • Invest in air purifiers, especially in bedrooms and living areas, to reduce airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

Monitoring Symptoms

  • Identify patterns over time by recording daily symptoms such as severity, timing, and potential triggers. 
  • Tracking weather conditions, pollen counts, and pollution levels can help you correlate symptoms with environmental changes. 
  • Use apps designed to help track symptoms for conditions like allergies, asthma, and even chronic pain.  
  • Bring any symptom logs to your child’s medical appointments to help make decisions about treatment adjustments.

Take the Next Step With Chemist Click

You can choose from a wide range of allergy and hay fever medicines for adults online from Chemist Click.  

Our in-house pharmacists are on hand to give you tailored advice when it comes to treatment for child hay fever. You can get in touch with our friendly team by phone on 01923549040 or email [email protected] for professional and bespoke advice on the most suitable hay fever treatments for your child’s needs. 

FAQs

Is Loratadine or Cetirizine Better for Kids?

Both medicines are suitable for kids; however, some studies have found that Cetirizine is slightly more effective than Loratadine.  

In this clinical trial observing children between six and 11 years old, Cetirizine 10mg was statistically superior to loratadine 10mg and placebo for relief of symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. 

What Makes Hay Fever Worse?

Your hay fever symptoms can be worsened by windy weather conditions and high pollen counts. These environmental factors can increase your risk of exposure and symptoms.  Cigarette smoke, pet dander, and dust mites, as well as certain food products such as dairy, can all play a part in irritating airways and increasing mucus production, which contributes to the worsening hay fever symptoms.

Which Antihistamine is Best for Children?

Non-drowsy antihistamines such as Cetirizine and Loratadine are usually best for children. They are available in liquid form, and dosage is dependent on age and weight.

How do I get rid of Hay Fever ASAP?

You can get rid of hay fever asap by using a fast-acting antihistamine treatment such as Cetirizine, which works in as little as 20 minutes. Closing all doors and windows will immediately keep pollen out and reduce your risk of exposure. If you’ve been outdoors, remove your clothing, shower, and wash your hair. This will help remove pollen brought in from outside.

Can you tell if a Child has Hay Fever? 

Your child may be sneezing, have watery eyes and an itchy throat, especially after being outdoors, first thing in the morning or early evening. They may also seem fatigued, complain of earaches, or headaches. Hay fever symptoms are usually apparent seasonally, between March and September.  

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Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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