I wrote – Nada Sami:
Allergies are among the diseases that increase in severity in the winter, so mothers rush to give their children anti-allergic medicines, as soon as their symptoms appear, to help them feel better.
Despite the effectiveness of antihistamines in relieving allergy symptoms, the mother should consult a doctor first before giving them to the child, according to Dr. Alaa Nofal, an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Also read: Beware.. 5 diseases that may affect your child in the winter
Cases in which antihistamines are not given to children
Nofal said that there are cases in which the harm of antihistamines outweighs the benefits for children, most notably:
1- Leakage behind the eardrum
It is a collection of water behind the eardrum, due to the recurrence of infection, the mother should not provide antihistamines to the child with this problem, because it usually treats on its own, and sometimes, the doctor may prescribe specific doses of cortisone.
2- Yellow or green mucus
Antihistamines do not help clean the lungs, throat and sinuses of mucus, but rather hinder its exit from the body, which leads to a deterioration in the health of the child.
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Do antihistamines treat colds and flu?
The ear, nose and throat specialist refuted a common myth about antihistamines, stressing that they do not help treat colds and influenza in children, as some mothers believe.
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Side effects of antihistamines
He stressed that antihistamines, like other medications, may cause some patients an annoying set of side effects, including:
– dizziness.
Lack of focus.
Nausea.
– sleepiness.
Difficulty urinating.
Dry mouth and throat.
Also read: Pay attention – 5 side effects of medications that require a doctor’s review