Should I take DD to GP with suspected hayfever?

[WalkingThePlank]

I'm pretty sure DD aged 7 has hay-fever. Lots of sneezing, runny nose and red eyes.

Is there any point taking her to the GP. Will anything come of it - can it be treated etc?

It can't be cured but there are meds that can ease it. If nothing else, taking her to docs will get it confirmed and mean you get meds on prescription, which means free for children but more importantly (if your school is like ours) will mean the school will administer them if necessary.

She will probably be given a prescription for antihistamine which as it is for a child it will be free, otherwise just buy some over the counter.

Forgot to say at that age ds was given Zirtek liquid which is a once a day formula,so school doesnt need to administer it.

Thank you. I just rang the pharmacy and they said that they would 'treat her for free'. Does that mean she can have free antihistamine from them? Seems strange to me. Hadn't thought about having it confirmed so that school can administer.

its probably under the nhs minor ailments service
There are several 1 a day hayfever remedies so you won't need school to administer it.

If it does turn out to be hayfever you should also teach her about how to keep it in check (non-meds) ie if it's a very sneezy day try to stay out of the wind, keep bedroom window closed, rinse eyes/face/hands under cool tap if an attack starts, saline nasal sprays etc. It helps mine a lot to do these things as I find I build up a tolerance to the antihistamines over time.

I second the free prescriptions (GP or pharmacist).
Also if - as seems to be the case with my DS, also 7 - the meds don't work initially, the GP/pharmacist can help you to tinker with them.

Went to the pharmacist and DD was treated under the minor ailments scheme. We were given the one a day treatment and also lots of advice e.g. washing hair every night.

If the medicine and advice work, when do we stop? Not sure when pollen stops being a problem.

It depends on which pollens she's allergic to. If it's a wide range of flowers it could go on for most of summer, if it's grasses and tree pollen as well that extends the timing.

I take my antihistamines in two ways : 1) to calm an attack once I've had a really bad one ie I'm strict about taking it every day for at least a week past obvious symptoms, 2) when I feel it coming on ie usually only need one. If you get good at 2) you shouldn't need 1).