My child suffers from severe hay fever, what treatment options are available?
October 23, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by David Schmitt
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Andrea Hahn and I am very worried about my child, as he suffers from severe hay fever. My child is 8 years old and for a few years now we have noticed that during the pollen season he experiences severe itching in the eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose, and also breathing difficulties. This leads to my child often sleeping poorly and feeling tired and weak during the day. I am concerned about his well-being and wonder what treatment options are available to alleviate the symptoms and help him.
So far, we have tried to counteract with antiallergic medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays, however, these only provide temporary relief and do not work in the long term. I wonder if there are other treatment options that could help my child in the long term and improve his quality of life during the pollen season. Are there perhaps special allergy therapy options such as immunotherapeutic treatments that we should consider?
I am also concerned about the possible side effects of the medications and therapies that could be prescribed to my child. How safe are these treatments for my child and are there alternative approaches that could have fewer side effects? I want to ensure that I am making the best possible decisions for my child's health and therefore seeking well-informed information and advice.
I thank you in advance for your time and help in answering my questions. I look forward to hearing from you and am eager to receive your recommendations for treating my child's hay fever.
Sincerely,
Andrea Hahn
Dear Mrs. Hahn,
Thank you for your detailed description of your child's situation and your concerns regarding his hay fever. It is understandable that as a parent, you want the best for your child and are thinking about treatment options. I will try to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen. The symptoms you described, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, congested nose, and difficulty breathing, are typical of hay fever. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and look for appropriate treatment options to improve your child's well-being.
Antihistamines and nasal sprays are typical medications used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. They can help suppress the allergic reaction and provide short-term relief. However, these medications are often not sufficient to provide long-term relief. In such cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) may be considered.
AIT, also known as desensitization or allergy vaccination, is a treatment option that aims to desensitize the patient's immune system to the allergen triggering the allergy. This is done through regular injections or sublingual drops of the allergen to develop tolerance and reduce the immune system's reaction. AIT has been proven effective in reducing hay fever symptoms long-term and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Regarding the safety of AIT and other medications for hay fever, it is important to note that any treatment can have potential side effects. Local reactions at the injection site may occur with AIT, but severe side effects are rare. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the different treatment options with your doctor to make the best decision for your child.
There are also alternative approaches to treating hay fever, such as avoiding allergens, using air filters indoors, or strengthening the immune system through a healthy diet and lifestyle. These approaches can be considered complementary to medication to relieve symptoms.
In conclusion, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a pediatric allergist to discuss your child's specific needs and develop an individualized treatment strategy. Your doctor will be able to provide you with informed advice and recommend appropriate treatment options.
I hope this information has been helpful to you and I am happy to answer any further questions. I wish your child quick relief from his symptoms and improved quality of life during the pollen season.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Schmitt
