Hayfever?

[JennyPenny22]

I am pretty sure DD1 has hayfever. We thought it last year but she was still very young so a) there wasn't anything we could give her and b) she was obviously in pram or whatever when outside so didn't seem to react toooo badly. Just had a bit of runny nose and eyes but we just let it pass.

Today she has been running round outdoors all day. Her eyes puffed right up, were blood shot and the whole area round the eyes was very red. Her nose was streaming extremly fast and her eyes were watering.

I am assuming we can now confirm that she suffers from hayfever? Is there anything she can take? She is 16 Months and very very active, I don't want to have to stop her having her freedom outside, she absolutly loves it.

BUMP as we are meant to be going to a BBQ this afternoon and hoping to stop and get something on the way.

I think you can give her Benadryl syrup, though have a feeling its only over the counter for 6 yr olds - dd2 also had suspected hayfever at 16 mos, last year, and GP suggested it. We gave her 2.5mls, I think.

It doesn't make them sleepy, unlike Piriton. Horrid, isn't it? Seems so unfair when they're so little!

Benadryl syrup = zirtec syrup, I think. Sorry wasn't in time for the BBQ, though really I would check with GP, or at least pharmacist, first.

Pharmacist didn't need prescription, in dd's case, just asked if we knew it only talked about older kids on the label

You could give piriton when she's going to bed.

also make sure that you wash her hair before bed so that any pollen is washed out and doesn't irritate at night.

You could also try changing her clothes when you come in from outside (obviously not if you are going in and out but when you know you are staying in)

if she'll wear sunglasses then encourage it as it's helps stop the pollen getting to the eyes. if not you could wipe around her eyes with damp cotton wool every so often.

vaseline around her nose also help with runny noses as it helps to stop pollen going up the nose.

none are miracle cures but can help.

Can she eat honey (i'm not sure at that age)? if she could (anyone?) then a spoonful of local (must be from local plants) can help to reduce reaction.

can you tell i get awful hayfever myself.

Thank you all. I think I am going to get a GPs appointment, although we went to the BBQ today and she was fine?!?!

I think she can have honey. As far as I know, it is only under 1s that can't have it. SO will give that a go if I can find some local. (How local does it need to be?)

I will try and find some tiny sunglasses, I doubt she will wear them, but I can try!

IIRC, piriton's from 12 months or you could give her the nice stuff that I use, a glass of elderflower cordial in the morning. Works really well and free of drugs! What more could you ask for?

can I ask how cordial works? Would be nice not to need drugs. Where do I buy it from too?

You can buy it from the supermarket. I think it works as it contains small traces of pollen as it's just made of elderflower. I use it every year, I rarly take antihistamines. All you do is make up a glass of cordial first thing in the morning. I recommended it to my neighbour who also gets hay fever and it works for her aswell. I do get a bit sick of the taste though. It's worth a try.

Thanks - have ordered it with my shopping! She isn't ususally allowed squash so it will be a "treat" for her so hopefully she will like it!