Hay Fever
What is it?
Hay fever is officially known as allergic rhinitis and is an allergy to airborne pollen from grass, flowers or trees. Causing sneezing, runny nose and itchy or inflamed eyes, it’s more common in children over 7, but younger ones can be affected too.
What can be done?
There are plenty of over-the-counter medicines to treat hay fever but check with your GP or pharmacist as to what's best for your child. “The best thing is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine syrup,” advises consultant paediatrician Dr Su Laurent*. “Ask your pharmacist for products containing loratadine or cetirazine. If your child is really struggling then your GP may prescribe a nasal spray.”
How I solved it
“Finton has asthma and the hay fever seems to bring that on. We begin watching the pollen count from about May. It’s really sad as it spoils the summer a bit. I stock up on antihistamine and make sure I always have some in the cupboard. He has a constantly runny nose but luckily it doesn’t stop him enjoying himself.”
Rachel Dowling, 32, from West Sussex, mum to Finton, 3, and Felix, 2
*Dr Su Laurent is author of Your Baby Month by Month published by DK, £11.04, amazon.co.uk
