Sniffle Solutions

I find nasal sprays and eyedrops are very effective for kids because the treatment is administered right at the source of the irritation. Parents are sometimes concerned about the steroids in some of these medications, but if taken as directed, they pose little to no risk.

Of course, getting a young child to take a nasal spray or eyedrop isn’t always easy. I tell parents that it’s OK to offer your child a small reward like a very small piece of candy after they take their medicine. But don’t negotiate. You can tell your child, “This is something we need to do, and now is when we do it.”

To help reduce exposure to itch-inducing allergens, take steps to keep your home irritation-free. That yellow film of pollen you see on your car in the spring will get on your child as well, as will a multitude of outdoor irritants. So as soon as your child comes inside for the night, have him shower -- don’t wait until bedtime.

If itchy eyes really bother your child even after taking a prescription allergy medication, try giving her ice packs to put on her eyes. The ice will shrink the blood vessels, soothing irritation.