Is there anything I can do for my poor snotmonster?

[SolidGoldBrass]

He is 8 and has been sneezing for a fortnight. I thought it was a summer cold but now wonder if it's hay fever - I know it's supposed to be pretty bad this year as all the plant life has gone beserk due to the weather, and I am sneezing a bit myself.

DS doesn't seem ill as such, just sneezing and sniffing and a bit red-eyed. Can an 8 year old take hay fever remedies?

(Oh and please don't recommend homeopathy as it's bollocks)

Sounds like hayfever. I think some of the nasal squirts (which are very effective) may not be appropriate for children but I'm sure a pharmacist will be able to come up with something. One thing DH (who has it badly) finds helpful is Opticrom eyedrops - I just checked: 'Opticrom Hayfever Eye Drops are suitable for both adults and children aged 6 upwards'.

Ds (6) takes citirizine which is prescribed but I reckon minor ailments might be able to give you. Or piriton. Also put Vaseline around his nostrils and a tiny bit on the inside.

Found that there are hayfever syrups for under 12s so DS has had a spoonful of Benadryl; we will see what that does for him.

Found that there are hayfever syrups for under 12s so DS has had a spoonful of Benadryl; we will see what that does for him.

Try the Vaseline too

Dairy can exacerbate allergies - try eliminating it until the symptoms subside - substitute almond, rice or coconut milk (I personally wouldn't recommend soy) and up his intake of calcium rich foods such as tinned salmon or sardines with the bones (if you can get him to eat it!), dark leafy veg, almonds, tahini etc...

hth