Natural remedies for child's allergies?

Question

My 7 year old daughter has mild asthma, which is for the most part under control, and she has horrible allergies. Especially right now, she's miserable. I've given her Benadryl, but it doesn't help. She can't take the prescription medications like Claritan and Singulair because she has had bad reactions to those medications. She can use Flonase, and it helps some, but during bad seasons, like now with all of the pollen, nothing helps. Does anyone know of some safe, natural remedies we could try? (Of course I won't put her on anything before I ask her Dr. so please don't chastise me about that point.)

Answer 1

About the only alternative medically that I'm aware of are allergy shots, which aren't fun unless its a last resort. Your best bet is avoidance. Stay inside when windy, avoid outdoor activity in early morning and evening. Keeping windows shut and running A/C or heat with a good filter (3M allergy are the best) is the most effective way to reduce allergens indoors unless you want to invest in the indoor filters as part of the heating/cooling systems but I don't know anything about those except the ads I've seen on TV. Allergy covers on her mattress and pillow can help if she reacts to dust mites. Washing hair and face every night can cut down on being exposed to pollen all night.
Another option if she has a lot of nasal symptoms would be an sinus rinse. I've found NeilMed sinus rinse bottles the best way to cut down on runny/stuffy nose and sinus congestion. They even make one specifically for kids! They sell them at CVS and Walgreens, but the pediatric size might have to be ordered.
My mom has tried acupuncture with a lot of success but if she is scared of needles I don't think that would be any better than the shots as far as practicality for a child.
Hopefully you can find something that works!

Answer 2

There are several "natural" remedies that can help with asthma and allergies. Quercetin, which is found in red onions and apple skin, is sold as a supplement at health food stores, as is cayenne pepper (which, strangely, does work to help asthma).

Also try supplementing your daughter's diet with foods high in antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids. Examples of foods with antioxidants are blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and other brightly colored fruits. Omega 3's are found in some eggs (look on the label), salmon, nuts, and flax seed, which can be sprinkled on or hidden in foods easily.

These things will help over time, but not help her symptoms immediately. For relief right now, you could try having her wear one of those paper masks when she's exposed to pollen. Also having her shower or bathe every time she comes in the house will get rid of pollen on her skin, as will having other family members/pets stay as clean as possible indoors. Vacuum the house once a day with a HEPA filtered vacuum, and make sure your furnace/ac filter is HEPA quality and changed regularly, to trap pollen before it circulates in the indoor air. Launder her bedding once a week in hot water. All of these things can make a difference.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Poor girl. I have bad allergies too that trigger my asthma. I'm restricted of medications too because of another health concern. But everyday I find that if I vacuum it helps keep away dust. I use a warm steam humidifier, Febreeze allergy reducer is the best, I never let my blankets sit on the floor, and i use dye free scent free detergent, (just in case) and I don't open my windows in the summer but keep my ac filter clean and use it. Also i check the days that allergens are high and make sure I take something like alavert... it works well for me.

Answer 4

I am 13, and I know what you're coming from... singular is only good for night time anyways, and it STILL doesn't help me.

Well, I am using Theraflu Thin Strips which helps for the following symptons:
Cough, Itchy Throat, Runny Nose, Sneezing, or Irritated Eyes.

It's been helping me just fine.

Answer 5

well the honey is good ( as long as its locally made) but you have to get a start on that way before the season kicks in so her immunity system can get used to it and start tolerating the pollen. its too late for that right now. I would just give her some claritin and/or zyrtec. theres no reason to let her suffer thru it with stuffy nose and itchy eyes..

Answer 6

Get a good air purifier for her room. That way, she will at least be able to get a good night's sleep.

Answer 7

about the only thing that actually works is moving to a different climate.