allergies, allergy meds, black circles

[Aboveallislove]

We've had an extreme warm winter and this is suppose to be worse pollen season on history, so I've heard. After spending more time outside once it warmed up, DS has been coughing more--not a ton, but more. We tried Claritin per dr's recommedation and nighttime coughing spells (like 2 minutes not waking) went away but the next morning he looked like Rocky after10 rounds. We tried Allegra and I've notice dark black circles under his eyes. I know there is such a thing as allegic shiners but wonder if there is anything I should look for/be concerned with? And how you all handle allergies. We don't want to dry everything up, but want to stop what I think is a post-nasal drip. He doesn't have really running nose, etc., but his eyes seem to be itching him and a tad more of a cough, especially on waking. He is too young to explain what is going on/what he is feeling and this would be first real allegy season for him since it takes a year or two to develop from what ped told us. Both dh and I have severe allegies/family history. Any thoughts/suggestions much appreciated.

 

[Aboveallislove]

We've had an extreme warm winter and this is suppose to be worse pollen season on history, so I've heard. After spending more time outside once it warmed up, DS has been coughing more--not a ton, but more. We tried Claritin per dr's recommedation and nighttime coughing spells (like 2 minutes not waking) went away but the next morning he looked like Rocky after10 rounds. We tried Allegra and I've notice dark black circles under his eyes. I know there is such a thing as allegic shiners but wonder if there is anything I should look for/be concerned with? And how you all handle allergies. We don't want to dry everything up, but want to stop what I think is a post-nasal drip. He doesn't have really running nose, etc., but his eyes seem to be itching him and a tad more of a cough, especially on waking. He is too young to explain what is going on/what he is feeling and this would be first real allegy season for him since it takes a year or two to develop from what ped told us. Both dh and I have severe allegies/family history. Any thoughts/suggestions much appreciated.

 

[Ratatosk]

The only time we every used an allergy medicine is when DS was a baby and reacted to mosquito bites and we used zyrtec. It made him sleepy, but helped. I would talk to your CF doctor about what would be appropriate to use as some meds can dry him up and cause more issues. How old is he? Can he do saline sinus rinses?

 

[Ratatosk]

The only time we every used an allergy medicine is when DS was a baby and reacted to mosquito bites and we used zyrtec. It made him sleepy, but helped. I would talk to your CF doctor about what would be appropriate to use as some meds can dry him up and cause more issues. How old is he? Can he do saline sinus rinses?

 

[Rebjane]

Are you sure it is allergies causing his issue? Sounds like your son is young; can he not tell you how he feels? Has he had a throat/cough swab to check for CF bacteria? It's hard when they are little and can't tell you how they feel. It is always ok to call the CF doc to check in; your mom's intuition is usually right.

 

[Rebjane]

Are you sure it is allergies causing his issue? Sounds like your son is young; can he not tell you how he feels? Has he had a throat/cough swab to check for CF bacteria? It's hard when they are little and can't tell you how they feel. It is always ok to call the CF doc to check in; your mom's intuition is usually right.

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks both. A few more details. We had his CF appointment 2 weeks ago and that was when the cough had increased slightly (basically 6 - 10 random ones not harsh in the day (as opposed to maybe 2 or 3) and a bunch in at night in a row for maybe 2 minutes until he did one big one and then he was done--does not wake him). The doctor said to give him over the counter Claritin. When they called with culture i told nurse re the coughes and she said call back if got worse/didn't improve, but to try increasing treatments. Increased to 3x a day and wanted to try Claritin first since dr told us to. We did 1x and that's when he looked like Rocky next morning, but had no coughing that night. i called back and asked if we could switch to Allegra b/c Claritin doesn't work for me or my husband, but also told the info above and specifically asked re whether to be concerned re drying out, etc. and how often to give, and was told no concerns, just give as needed. I've done Allegra a few days in a row to see if it helped and it does seem to help with nighttime cough--not as harsh--and itching of eyes, and also the daytime coughs--fewer--but has those dark circles, which our first CF doctor had told us were allegic shiners (he also has Deni-Morgan folds, indicating allegies). He has staph (has had since 2 weeks old--NOT MRSA) and haemopheous influenza (sp?) on and off for the last year. (He'll be three in a couple of months.) The doctors haven't had us do antibitoics b/c he hasn't had any issues AND now I'm hesitant to do unelss he really needs b/c he is just recovering from a bacterial overgrowth which I'm pretty sure he had for over a year--took forever to figure out thus me posting this now since you guys seem to know more than the drs do!!! No fever, headaches, etc. that he indicates and as much energy as always! They did look in nose 2 weeks ago when there too. Plan is to not do any more alergy meds now and call back in a couple days when I have a better guage of what is happening, but wanted to see any other thoughts. Ideas??? also, he can't tell me but he can respond to questions, so what should I ask him to figure out this??? thanks so much!

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks both. A few more details. We had his CF appointment 2 weeks ago and that was when the cough had increased slightly (basically 6 - 10 random ones not harsh in the day (as opposed to maybe 2 or 3) and a bunch in at night in a row for maybe 2 minutes until he did one big one and then he was done--does not wake him). The doctor said to give him over the counter Claritin. When they called with culture i told nurse re the coughes and she said call back if got worse/didn't improve, but to try increasing treatments. Increased to 3x a day and wanted to try Claritin first since dr told us to. We did 1x and that's when he looked like Rocky next morning, but had no coughing that night. i called back and asked if we could switch to Allegra b/c Claritin doesn't work for me or my husband, but also told the info above and specifically asked re whether to be concerned re drying out, etc. and how often to give, and was told no concerns, just give as needed. I've done Allegra a few days in a row to see if it helped and it does seem to help with nighttime cough--not as harsh--and itching of eyes, and also the daytime coughs--fewer--but has those dark circles, which our first CF doctor had told us were allegic shiners (he also has Deni-Morgan folds, indicating allegies). He has staph (has had since 2 weeks old--NOT MRSA) and haemopheous influenza (sp?) on and off for the last year. (He'll be three in a couple of months.) The doctors haven't had us do antibitoics b/c he hasn't had any issues AND now I'm hesitant to do unelss he really needs b/c he is just recovering from a bacterial overgrowth which I'm pretty sure he had for over a year--took forever to figure out thus me posting this now since you guys seem to know more than the drs do!!! No fever, headaches, etc. that he indicates and as much energy as always! They did look in nose 2 weeks ago when there too. Plan is to not do any more alergy meds now and call back in a couple days when I have a better guage of what is happening, but wanted to see any other thoughts. Ideas??? also, he can't tell me but he can respond to questions, so what should I ask him to figure out this??? thanks so much!

 

[Melissa75]

Here is our plan for my six yr old who has a bad pollen allergy. No CF, but I think some of this is helpful. Shower before bed No open windows in bedroom Allegra Bepreve eye drops (prescription) or Zatador (sp?) OTC Nasonex Saline sinus wash 2x a day -- haven't been successful with this but I know parents here have Singulair (have added this regimen for about 2 months when the other meds don't cut it, 4yr old yes, 5 yrs old no, this yr we'll see). Last night he was wheezing on exhalation, so I have to bring him in and see if we need to add albuterol. I assume with CF your son is already doing that med. The allergist also rec'ed limiting outdoor activity btw 10am and 4pm, but I haven't followed thru on that.
Reread your question and see that your more asking if the shiners and cough are allergies...the skin RAST test would indicate if your son is allergic to pollen. My son has lots of eye symptoms with pollen--circles and also swelling, redness and ooze.

 

[Melissa75]

Here is our plan for my six yr old who has a bad pollen allergy. No CF, but I think some of this is helpful. Shower before bed No open windows in bedroom Allegra Bepreve eye drops (prescription) or Zatador (sp?) OTC Nasonex Saline sinus wash 2x a day -- haven't been successful with this but I know parents here have Singulair (have added this regimen for about 2 months when the other meds don't cut it, 4yr old yes, 5 yrs old no, this yr we'll see). Last night he was wheezing on exhalation, so I have to bring him in and see if we need to add albuterol. I assume with CF your son is already doing that med. The allergist also rec'ed limiting outdoor activity btw 10am and 4pm, but I haven't followed thru on that.
Reread your question and see that your more asking if the shiners and cough are allergies...the skin RAST test would indicate if your son is allergic to pollen. My son has lots of eye symptoms with pollen--circles and also swelling, redness and ooze.

 

[Rebjane]

Sounds like you have a plan in place with you doc; thats good! When my daughter is having issues; I usually keep a daily log of her symptoms; it helps me figure out what to ask the doc and how to explain what is going on. Questions I ask my daughter when she starts with cough; She does NOT have allergies(that I know of, never been tested). I ask her if her throat hurts? Do her ears hurt? Does her chest hurt? Does it hurt to take a deep breathe? Does she feel wheezy/or tight in the chest? Is she bringing up gunk or mucus(use what ever words you think your child will understand).It's good to help your son to get used to answering these types of questions. Using Yes or No questions makes it easier. Don't get frustrated if your son doesn't understand you, eventually he will. Every kid is different; it takes time to figure out what is going on. It's the doctor's job to diagnose the issue; sometimes I feel like a detective trying to help them. I remember when my daughter was 2 and a half years old and she was having issues. She looked and me and said "I'm dizzy" I knew something was wrong at that time just didn't know what. I did not even know she knew that word til she said it that day; It was so weird. Hope that helps!

Also, it's good that your son has good energy. Our docs say to watch for decrease in energy; decrease in appetite and increase in cough as signs of concern.

 

[Rebjane]

Sounds like you have a plan in place with you doc; thats good! When my daughter is having issues; I usually keep a daily log of her symptoms; it helps me figure out what to ask the doc and how to explain what is going on. Questions I ask my daughter when she starts with cough; She does NOT have allergies(that I know of, never been tested). I ask her if her throat hurts? Do her ears hurt? Does her chest hurt? Does it hurt to take a deep breathe? Does she feel wheezy/or tight in the chest? Is she bringing up gunk or mucus(use what ever words you think your child will understand).It's good to help your son to get used to answering these types of questions. Using Yes or No questions makes it easier. Don't get frustrated if your son doesn't understand you, eventually he will. Every kid is different; it takes time to figure out what is going on. It's the doctor's job to diagnose the issue; sometimes I feel like a detective trying to help them. I remember when my daughter was 2 and a half years old and she was having issues. She looked and me and said "I'm dizzy" I knew something was wrong at that time just didn't know what. I did not even know she knew that word til she said it that day; It was so weird. Hope that helps!

Also, it's good that your son has good energy. Our docs say to watch for decrease in energy; decrease in appetite and increase in cough as signs of concern.

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks so much Rebjane!!! That is so very helpful. Definitely will do all of the above and please folks add anything else you think of!!

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks so much Rebjane!!! That is so very helpful. Definitely will do all of the above and please folks add anything else you think of!!

 

[saveferris2009]

http://noexcusesnoexcuses.blogspot.com/2008/08/allergies.html

http://noexcusesnoexcuses.blogspot.com/2008/08/differences-between-nose-sprays-per-my.html

http://noexcusesnoexcuses.blogspot.com/2008/08/anti-histamines-explained.html

 

[saveferris2009]

http://noexcusesnoexcuses.blogspot.com/2008/08/allergies.html

http://noexcusesnoexcuses.blogspot.com/2008/08/differences-between-nose-sprays-per-my.html

http://noexcusesnoexcuses.blogspot.com/2008/08/anti-histamines-explained.html

 

[biz]

Aidan has developed severe sinus issues. chronic sinus infection that always led to picc lines. then a 2 hr surgery to remove blockages in his sinuses. that really helped. i would suggest getting to see an ENT. then after the surgery we tried sinus rinses and he cant do them. i tried my best and short of me sitting on top of him and forcing him to do it i will not traumitize my son for sinus rinses. i am able to get him to take flonase. then we went to an allergest. they did the scratch test and it came back negative. however he did put aidan on singular. well that has made all the difference. no sinus infections since. along with the singular he takes zyrtec also. that help with the itchy eyes and throat. i was concerned about drying him up too but i was told claritin is the same as what we just started so its fine. also the allergist had us buy dust mite covers for his pillow and mattress. so i did that. i guess that has helped too. i do notice that when i wash them but dont get them one right after and he goes without for a night or two he wakes stuffy. i hope this helps and keep us updated.
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Elizabeth
mommy to Aidan 6 w/cf

 

[biz]

Aidan has developed severe sinus issues. chronic sinus infection that always led to picc lines. then a 2 hr surgery to remove blockages in his sinuses. that really helped. i would suggest getting to see an ENT. then after the surgery we tried sinus rinses and he cant do them. i tried my best and short of me sitting on top of him and forcing him to do it i will not traumitize my son for sinus rinses. i am able to get him to take flonase. then we went to an allergest. they did the scratch test and it came back negative. however he did put aidan on singular. well that has made all the difference. no sinus infections since. along with the singular he takes zyrtec also. that help with the itchy eyes and throat. i was concerned about drying him up too but i was told claritin is the same as what we just started so its fine. also the allergist had us buy dust mite covers for his pillow and mattress. so i did that. i guess that has helped too. i do notice that when i wash them but dont get them one right after and he goes without for a night or two he wakes stuffy. i hope this helps and keep us updated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth
mommy to Aidan 6 w/cf