Allergy treatment; Your allergy doctor is the only person who can decide on your child’s treatment and medications. While your doctor recommends the treatment; It will take into account your child’s age, general health, how severe the allergic reaction is, and other factors. The most effective ways to treat allergies are generally; Avoiding the allergen is medication and immunotherapy.

What To Do To Avoid Allergens?

Avoiding is staying away from substance that causes an allergic reaction. Some suggestions to avoid allergens are:

  • Stay inside with the windows closed on windy days and high pollen counts.
  • Make the house dust-free as possible, especially your child’s bedroom.
  • Eliminate carpets, blinds, and blankets or pillows filled with down in the home.
  • To eliminate dust mites, wash bedding, curtains and clothing frequently in hot water.
  • If possible, keep bedding in dust covers.
  • Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.
  • Consider putting a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home, but remember to clean it often.
  • On days with high pollen count, have your child wear a face mask while playing outside. When your child comes in; He/she should take a shower, wash his/her hair and change clothes.
  • Take a vacation where pollen is not as common, such as near the sea.
  • Your doctor will also give you suggestions for avoiding the allergens that cause the reaction.

Which drugs should I use for allergy treatment?

There are many effective remedies for children with allergies. Consult your physician about these drugs and their use.

What Are Antihistamines?

Antihistamines; used to relieve or prevent symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and other allergies. During an allergic reaction, they prevent the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body. Newer antihistamines cause less sleep than older ones. Ask your doctor about which antihistamines you should give your child. Antihistamines; They are in tablet, capsule, liquid or injection form.

What Are Decongestants?

Decongestants; Used to treat nasal congestion and other cold and allergy symptoms from allergies. Decongestants; causes blood vessels to narrow and clear nasal congestion. Decongestants are available both over the counter and by prescription. The most commonly used forms; liquid, tablets, nasal sprays or nasal drops. They can cause a faster heart rate, hyperactivity, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Spray or nasal drops should only be used for a short time. Regular use of decongestants in any form can worsen symptoms as the body becomes dependent on the drug. This is called the “rebound effect”.

What Are Nasal Steroids?

Nasal steroids are not the same as steroids used in bodybuilding. These medications control inflammation in the nose caused by allergies. They take a few days to work and are used on a regular schedule every day, not as needed.

“About 80-90 Percent of Children Improve with Immunotherapy”

When allergen avoidance and daily medication don’t work, immunotherapy may be a treatment option. Also called desensitization, hypo-sensitization, and allergy vaccines. The child has an allergy; A mixture of various pollens, mold spores, animal dander and dust mites is formulated. This mixture is called allergy extract. There is no medicine in the mixture. The mixture is usually injected subcutaneously into the fatty tissue on the back of the arm. It is not painful like intramuscular injection. Over the months, the child’s immune system develops an immunity to the allergen. Injections are usually given once or twice a week for several months. Then it continues on a monthly basis for 3 to 5 years. About 80 percent to 90 percent of children recover with immunotherapy. It usually takes 12 to 18 months to notice a definitive reduction in allergy symptoms. Some children experience a reduction in symptoms in as little as 6 to 8 months. Immunotherapy is only one part of the treatment plan for allergic children. Because immunotherapy takes time to be effective, your child will need to continue the allergy medication as recommended by the doctor. It is also important to continue to remove allergens such as dust mites from your child’s environment.

Are There Any Side Effects of Immunotherapy?

There are two types of reactions to immunotherapy: local and systemic. Local reaction is redness and swelling at the injection site. This situation; If it occurs repeatedly, the extract strength or program is changed. A systemic reaction is a reaction that can affect the whole body. Symptoms; May include nasal congestion, sneezing, hives, swelling, wheezing, and low blood pressure. However, these complaints are very rare. If a systemic reaction occurs, your child may continue to receive a lower dose of the vaccine. If you have any questions about immunotherapy, always talk to your doctor.