Hay fever in 12 year old

[Thingsthatgo]

My DS has hay fever for the first time this year. What would you recommend to help him? I have some barrier balm for his nose already, which helps a little. What medication would you recommend for the days when it is particularly bad?

cetirizine and loratadine are generally considered safe.
as are eye drops.

if they don't work or make him tired there are further options. discuss with allergy nurse or gp.

Cetirizine.

Go speak to your pharmacist. There are many different brands and active ingredients that are sold over the counter and they might be able to steer you to an appropriate one. Some help more with the runny nose/sneezing, others more with the itchy eyes/skin so it does depend on what symptoms he has. If one doesn't work then try another. Loratine used to work for me for years but now it doesn't but certizine does (from supermarkets).

If none of the OTC ones work then go to your GP for something different.

Unfortunately, it's less effective to just have tablets on the days when he's suffering - better to take daily, consistently.
Beconase nasal spray is also very effective

Antihistamines, DS has been taking them since he was 3 years old (He's 13 years now). You can buy them over the counter at the chemist for a 12 years old. Tablets would probably be eaiser or liquid is still available for their age. The dose is the same as for adults as long as he isn't really small.

Oh and this is a good point and why DS takes them constantly (his isn't just hay-fever) as they are more effective if taken continously during the pollen season and for a month or so before it starts.

1 a Day Allergy tablets such as Cetirizine Hydrochloride.
You can buy a 6-months supply for around £10 of the unbranded version.

I personally avoid branded ones. Brands like Piriteze contain exactly the same and are 3-4 times as much.

PS be very wary of the nasal sprays - your body becomes addicted to them and before you know it you need to use them every day as your body becomes reliant on it. Tablets are a much safer option imo.

not the case for steroid hayfever sprays like beconase.

Antihistamines every day, next year start a month before his symptoms started this year.

As others have said, he needs to take a regular antihistamine every single day, not just as and when bad as this will have no effect. A nasal spray is good as it prevents allergens going up the nose in the first place.

Both the NHS and the manufacturer (based on their own leaflet) disagree. It should only be used between 1 and 3 months as it can make the symptoms of the condition worse. If you use it and think you need it for longer than 3 months you must seek GP advice.

As others have said, a daily antihistamine. Also, there is a fair bit of illness around at the moment - not sure how long he's had hayfever symptoms, but could also be something else if unusual for him.