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Allergy Answers For Kids

If your child has asked why his or her nose is stuffy or runny, or why he or she has to take medicine every day, this Web page may help. It has been specially written for you to explain seasonal allergies to your child. Take a moment to read it aloud to your child.

The doctor said you have seasonal allergies. That means some things you breathe in, such as pollen, may upset your

body, so you may not be able to do a lot of the things you like to do. Things that you are allergic to are called allergens. Seasonal allergens, like pollen, may come from plants, flowers, grass, trees, or weeds.

How do allergic reactions happen?
When allergens bother you, your body sends out a substance called histamine. Too much histamine in your body may cause sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose. These are called allergy symptoms.

How can allergy symptoms be stopped?
The best way to stop allergy symptoms is to stay away from the things that bother you. If these things are plants, grass, or trees, staying away from them will be hard. That’s why your doctor gave you a medicine to help control your allergy symptoms.

Allergy medicine can help turn off the flow
When allergies attack, it can feel like someone turned on a faucet in your eyes and nose. And allergy medicines, like Allegra, can help you feel better.

That’s why it’s important to take your medicine every day. This way you can play outside and have fun doing the things you like to do.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Side effects with Allegra 180 mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include headache, cold, or backache.

Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for seasonal allergies are low; less than 3% of people experience cold or flu, nausea, menstrual pain, or drowsiness.

Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for hives are low and may include backache, sinusitis, dizziness, or drowsiness.

Side effects with Allegra 30 mg are low and may include headache, cold, coughing, or accidental injury.

Side effects with Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour were similar to Allegra 60 mg alone (headache, insomnia or nausea) and Allegra 180 mg alone (headache, cold or backache) respectively. Due to the decongestant (pseudoephedrine) component in both Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour, these products must not be used if you: are taking an MAO inhibitor (a medication for depression) or have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within 14 days; retain urine; have narrow-angle glaucoma; have severe high blood pressure or severe heart disease. Side effects with pseudoephedrine may include nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, or insomnia. Headache, drowsiness, increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms have been reported. You should also tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, impaired kidney function, or symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as difficulty urinating.

Side effects with Allegra Oral Suspension 30mg/5mL (6mg/mL) are low and may include vomiting, fever, cough, otitis media and diarrhea.