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Allergies and intolerances

"Too young for hayfever"? Would love some advice, please.

14 replies

ClockWatchingLady · 18/06/2013 11:00

This is what friends and family say when I've mentioned that I think my DS (6yo) might have hayfever. But, judging by this board, 6 doesn't seem unusually young at all.

He's had eczema on and off since about 8 months old, so is clearly a bit "allergic". Basically he seems to have had a dry tickly cough for a few weeks (on and off). Sometimes a runny nose, too, although this is not very noticeable unless you're looking for it.

What I'd like to know is:

  1. Is there any point going to the GP? Can they do anything to confirm/disconfirm hayfever?

  2. If it's not really causing any problems, should I still be looking into medicating him? Does medication do anything to prevent the problem getting worse over time, or is it just to treat the symptoms?

    Many thanks for reading. Any advice would be great.
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NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 18/06/2013 12:37

Not too young at all! Yes go to the GP....my nephew suffers badly with it and has Piriton...he is 8.

But he's a bad case. Shower him when he begins to sniff and itch.

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cathan · 18/06/2013 12:44

It's certainly possible to have hay fever at his age - both my DD and DS started to have symptoms around this age (and both had eczema as well)! There are various medicines which the GP can prescribe for children with hay fever and if you see the doc then you'd be reassured as to the diagnosis. Also, you could then get repeat prescriptions through the hay fever season and you wouldn't have to pay. That said, there are things you can get "over the counter" - have a chat with your local pharmacist if you decide not to bother the GP. Hope this helps.

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nostress · 18/06/2013 12:45

My DS1 started with hay fever age 2 and it really aggravated his eczema. DS2 started about age 4 and although he doesn't have eczema it causes him to have frequent nose bleeds if not medicated.

Medication wise if its causing you son sleepless nights you can try piriton syrup. But I would steer clear from that in day times. Alternatively, both my boys started on cetirizine tablets age 6 (they are tiny) these are very good and you can get them free on prescription from your GP. (I think you can get syrup but for us tablets are easier).

I would medicate him because these things tend to get worse!

Hay fever tends to stay with you for life and only really gets better when your immune system becomes less active when you are 1) Pregnant or 2) Becoming elderly.

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Sirzy · 18/06/2013 12:48

DS was about 6 months when he first started showing signs of hayfever so 6 years certainly isn't too young.

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Iseeall · 18/06/2013 12:53

My daughter started to suffer from hayfever from about 3.
I second piriton syrup. She also had eye drops.
She also suffered from eczema and asthma. The eczema has disappeared now she is older but she still has asthma and in spring and early summer hayfever.
I really wouldn't bother the doctor, there are plenty of safe otc meds available.

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LifeofPo · 18/06/2013 12:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ClockWatchingLady · 18/06/2013 14:05

Thank you all so much for the replies and advice.

Showering, symptom diary, asking about otc meds and GP it is, then. And some swimming if it gets problematic.

If it's hayfever, should I expect sneezing and watery eyes as well, or can a tickly cough (with slight runny nose) be the only symptom?

Thank you again to all.

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MaryDownton · 18/06/2013 15:03

Not too young. My two started with hayfever at about the same age. Go to the GP to discuss it and be prepared to try different medicines until you find what works best...we had to try a few eye drops before the symptoms settled. A friend's daughter finds that hayfever sets off an asthma-type cough too.

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lavenderblue1 · 18/06/2013 15:10

The gold standard treatment for hayfever is here, but is only for children from the age of 2. I would have a word with your GP
cks.nice.org.uk/allergic-rhinitis#!scenario

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ukey · 18/06/2013 22:38

age 6 is not too young for hayfever

do take to GP as they can prescribe antihistamine etc

as you will need something with a prescription label if he needs some at school.

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ClockWatchingLady · 19/06/2013 11:37

Thank you very much to all for these replies.

Very to know in advance that we might have to persist with different treatments. Also extremely useful to see the treatment guidelines, and a very good point about prescription labels and school.

It is lovely to be able to confer about these things! Thanks again.

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ClockWatchingLady · 19/06/2013 11:39

Sorry, misprint - meant "very useful to know", not "very to know"

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lazydog · 20/06/2013 21:35

My hayfever had a very distinct start event and it began when I was 3 years old. I'd never had any signs of hayfever before that. I was off playing in a field of really long flowering grasses with my 2 older brothers. Came back home with red raw, itchy eyes and sneezing. Pollen overdose, evidently...

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ClockWatchingLady · 09/07/2013 10:39

Hi Lazydog. Only just noticed this post. Thank you for telling me about your experience, too. It really does sound like it's not that unusual to start hayfever young, and that it can present in all different ways.

Thank you again to all.

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