Allergies cause symptoms in toddlers that closely resemble a cold. During peak allergy months it may be difficult to determine whether the toddler has a long-lasting cold or allergies. Allergy treatment is similar to cold treatment. Many over-the-counter allergy medicines contain the same ingredients or serve the same purpose. Toddlers should never be given any over-the-counter medication until the second birthday, and even at that point a health care professional's advice should be obtained.
Over-the-Counter Decongestants
Sinus pressure, headaches, stuffy nose and trouble breathing through the nose are all symptoms of congestion caused by several things, including allergies. A decongestant is a type of medication that can reduce congestion. DrGreene.com explains that a decongestant can constrict blood vessels throughout the body, including the nasal passages. Congestion is a result of the blood vessels swelling and causing the closed-off feeling toddlers experience. There are numerous brands of decongestants but only pediatric formulas are safe for toddler use. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant typically safe for use in young children and toddlers, according to AskDrSears.com. This drug comes in liquid and chewable tablet formulas. This drug is closely monitored due to its use in making methamphetamine. Another option is phenylephrine, which also comes in various formulas including chewable tablet, dissolving strips and liquid. Some decongestants can be purchased as nose drops or nasal spray with fewer side effects and greater relief.
DrGreene.com points out that such medications can cause various side effects in toddlers, including increased blood pressure and drowsiness. Many drug manufacturers offer a non-drowsy formula.
Antihistamines
When a toddler is exposed to an allergen the body produces histamine, a chemical that leads to the symptoms of allergies. The purpose of histamine is to fight off the allergen by causing bodily responses such as sneezing, nasal drainage and coughing. Both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamine medications treat toddler allergies. These medicines come in liquid and chewable tablet in a pediatric formula. Commonly used antihistamines for children, as listed by KeepKidsHealth.com, include fexofenadine, loratadine, and cetirizine.
Common symptoms of antihistamines include an increased level of alertness, drowsiness and some amount of interference in learning and performance, according to DrGreene.com.
Steroids
Another allergy treatment option for toddlers is a topical steroid, a drug that is capable of preventing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and nasal drainage or congestion. This type of treatment comes in the form of a nasal inhaler that allows a toddler to have one or two squirts of the drug in each nostril per day, states KeepKidsHealthy.com. Common drugs found in this form include mometasone, fluticasone and triamcinolone.
As with other allergy treatments, steroids have the risk of side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, excessive fatigue, dry mouth, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting, according to PubMed Health.
