Allergy treatment for 5-year-old

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a question regarding treatment of a 5-year-old who has been diagnosed with allergies to dust mites and mold. The allergist prescribed Flonase nasal spray and Zyrtec when he’s bad. This seems a little extreme, as it is a steroid and the only symptom she presented with was frequent colds. Is there any other treatment?

DEAR READER: I cannot, in clear conscience, recommend the use of the steroid Flonase for a child, primarily because the medication can affect his or her growth at such a vulnerable age.
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Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I suffer from headaches associated with allergies and have tried numerous medications without much success. With spring here, the grass growing and flowers blooming, I’m really in a bind to find something I feel safe taking. Do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER:
Allergies and headaches can be difficult to deal with and seem to affect us all at some point in our lives. Worse still, they seem to occur only at important occasions or other inappropriate times. You don’t indicate what you have taken for relief, so hopefully I can point you in the right direction.

I recommend a visit to your local pharmacy to see what is available over-the-counter. There are several allergy products offered by various companies which help many individuals. You may wish to try Claritin, a prescription medication now approved for over-the-counter sale. The newest allergy prescription turned OTC is Zyrtec. If you stop the allergies you should be able to prevent the headaches.

If you prefer homeopathic choices, I recommend Sinol which is the first headache nasal spray registered with the FDA. It is purported to relieve headache pain and also comes in an allergy relief spray. It supposedly reduces, prevents and/or stops sinus pain, as well as congestion and inflammation. It is non-addictive and free of harsh side effects.

If you need some guidance, speak with the pharmacist who may be able to provide more information about the types of medication that will best control your symptoms and provide prompt relief. If you still are confused or have questions, make an appointment with your primary care physician for his or her recommendations.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Allergies” and “Headaches“. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).