I think dd has hayfever

[steppemum]

so, I think dd2 has hayfever, but not badly.
What do I do next, does the gp actually do anything to diagnose hayfever? Is there a test? Or do they just go on symptoms.

What works for your kids for the symptoms?
I am reluctant to give her eg piriton regularly, as I don't like lots of meds in kids if not necessary.

Just getting to the point where we probably ought to do something. Mostly she has been very mild itchy eyes and runny nose, but she is now getting the odd day when it bothers her.

She is 10

No you don't need the GP for hayfever. Just give her some hayfever tablets, the cheap 50p ones from Savers or Home Bargains work just as well and she'll be fine. Some of us really do suffer and it is especially bad at the moments. All the GP will do is give her the same tablets. Antihistamine really is the only thing that works for it.

Loratidine and cetirizine would be non drowsy antihistamines she could try. You can buy them off the shelf in the supermarket.

DD has it and is on cetrizine twice a day, a steroid prescription spray (we are hoping to stop) and sterimar over the counter spray which is really good (its saltwater and cleans the nose out)

I didnt like having to do it twice a day either but it makes a huge difference to her symtpoms

Thanks.
I think she has been gradually getting worse, and suspect she may be allergic to my mum's cat, so at some point we may need more intervention.

I'll have a look for the loratidine and cetirizine

If her eyes are sore/swollen with it then you can by eye drops also.