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Allergies and intolerances

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Consultant wants to stop my son's antihistamine - help!

11 replies

taniashort · 24/01/2008 11:39

Hi
My son (5) has been on antihistamine since he was 2. He has anaphylatic reactions once every 12 weeks or so.

As I understand it, the only side effect of the antihitamine is lethargy and, as Chris takes this at night and he seems OK, I'm happier for him to continue with this.

However, His consultant wants to take him off this because he sees it has not 'good practice' he's not giving me any other reason - even when I push him.

Anyone any ideas here - should I push to keep Chris on the antihistamine? Anyone know of other side effects?

thanks!
Tania

OP posts:
williamsmummy · 24/01/2008 16:27

well, it depends.
I was once told that antihistamine ( as in daily piriton) was not a good idea in the long term. For instance if a reaction to a food occured, the reaction may be mild, but as effect of antihistamine wears off, there was a chance of another stronger reaction later on.

But, I am not sure if this in all honesty is accurate.

My son did have side effects from piriton, headaches, nausea and being drowsy, lack of appitite
as he has always been underweight, lack of a calories is a big issue.

I am also questioning the ongoing need for antihistamine, as it may hinder proper dignosis of all allergies.

What are your childs allergies, both food and environmental?
If environmental, have other methods in home reduce the irritation of these allergies?

On another note, there are MANY 2nd generation antihistamines that dont have the same side effects.
However, they do produce others. It may take some time to find one, but there should be a daily one availble that suits your child.

My son has had problems with two 2nd generation antihistamimes, claritin and zytec.
Claritin, was an allergic reaction , and the zytec severely affected his mood.

You might consider that your sons personality may dramtically change when you remove antihistamine from his life.
I certainly did notice my sons increased enjoyment of life , once he was taken of this daily drug.

I wish you good luck

taniashort · 25/01/2008 20:09

Hi!
We know Chris to be allergic to tree nuts and to have "idiopathetic urticaria" which means his immune system can spontaneously react to any unidentifiable cause. His reactions are to go into full-on anaphylaxis, which is why I'm worried about taking him off the antihistamine.
BTW - we take him off the antihistamine for a week to ten days before we run any tests.
He was on Ketotifin for 2 years and has just changed to Loratidine - he's always been terribly skinny, and I suspect you're right that the antihistamine does suppress his appetite.
I'd rather have him off this, but as he goes into anaphylaxis once every 10 weeks or so I'm worried that the reaction might speed up and we wont get to treat him in time.
Oh I really don't know here - thanks for your advice!
Tania

OP posts:
williamsmummy · 26/01/2008 15:07

this consultant, is he an pead immunologist?
if so, what you need to do before going any further is to list your concerns ( write list on paper, I do) and get them to explain why etc

If this consultant is not a immunologist,ask for a 2nd opinion.

BTW my son is on loratidine, and takes during the tree pollen season. ( I will start him on this half way through feb as season started early last year) He does report sside effects, but not as bad as some previously.

I dont know anything about idiopathic uticaria' but if your only medical advice re- control has been antihistmine, there must be a good reason that the consultant thinks he should come of it. That does need explaining.
5-7 yrs is a time when allergies do change, for instance a large group of children grow out of there milk allergies at this time.
Perhaps this is a reason why the doc is questioning the use? perhaps they want to see if things have changed?

can see your problem, and understand your hesitation in this area.

keep in touch.

taniashort · 27/01/2008 20:40

That's an interesting question regarding if the consultant is an immunologist, I know he's a consultant in allergy and dermatology but - I shall investigate. Will ask more - thanks!
Tania

OP posts:
taniashort · 11/02/2008 19:35

Hi Williamsmummy
I've just got a referal to a paed immunologist so thank you for the great advice.
BTW - C is doing really well on the Loratidine and my GP feels it would be daft to take him off it unless there were a good reason for it - so fingers crossed!
thanks again
t

OP posts:
williamsmummy · 11/02/2008 21:09

glad you got the referal.
if its a london one, you may only have to wait 6-8 weeks for first appointment.
( this is a vast improvement from the time we had to wait!!)

let us know how your first appiontment goes.

taniashort · 13/02/2008 07:05

THanks, it'll be in oxford so who knows! How's William?

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williamsmummy · 13/02/2008 12:25

its half term, so william , along with my other children are slowly driving me bonkers...............nuts in fact.

(he has brought his valentine some choc from thorntons, isnt that sweet!)

bunny3 · 13/02/2008 12:31

Ds has been on daily cetirizine for a year. It has really helped his eczema and hayfever. Before using an antihistamine daily, I would need loads of steroid creams to control his eczema so for us this is the best solution. He did take 2 doses daily for a while (10 mil) but is now down to one. Can your son's dose be reduced rather than stopped?

Shaniece · 15/02/2008 19:37

Reading this thread I'm thinking my DS needs to see a Cosultant Immunologist. [hmmm] will definitely look into this.

taniashort · 15/02/2008 19:37

Hi Bunny - C's already only on 5ml so I don't feel it can go down any further. Good news is that my GP thinks the consultant's daft to want to take C off it while he's still having such severe reactions ...
thanks!
t

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