Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

DS (3) suffers in the spring with itchy/runny nose and this past week it has started up again. The ped recommended Flonase and it works great but I also have read all of the warnings that it's not for long-term use because it's a steroid so I'm a little freaked out by that. Claritin and Zyrtec did nothing for him.

Is it worth taking him to an allergist to see what exactly he's allergic to and do allergy shots or some other type of treatment?

Do they still do allergy shots or was that totally a 1980's thing?

Re: Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

I would, they can def give a test that shows what he is allergic to. I took DS to Dr. Strauss, he has offices in Westbury and Commack.

Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

Yes, if he is really suffering and the OTC meds aren't helping then definitely take him to an allergist for testing. We also see Dr. Strauss and he had told me that allergy shots are kind of a last resort type thing nowadays since it requires very frequent visits for the shots. But, he could probably prescribe a stronger allergy medication that would be for long term use.

Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

I would. I actually just went to an ENT for myself because its been getting worse. They are going to do an allergy test for me so they can see what the irritant is. What seasons its worse for me and we can be more aggressive during that time and less aggressive with more natural remedies (saline solution or a nasal cleanse) during the off peak times because I generally suffer from a feeling of congestion almost year round.

They offered me the same Flonase and allegra. But I wont take medicine every single day I don't care how safe they say these things are. No medicine is the safest way. And I believe in a holisitic and natural approach so Ive been looking that up. Adjusting my diet as well. Ive noticed a difference.

Message edited 9/7/2016 2:26:53 PM.

Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

Also recommend Dr. Strauss (although DS only sees him for food allergies). I don't know specifically about Flonase, but DS was diagnosed with asthma when he was 2 and did steroid puffs every day for 3 years until he out grew it. I was terrified of him having to take steroids every day, but an allergist friend of mine assured me that the side effects are minimal and no long term effects. Maybe ask an allergist specifically about any med that's prescribed (like Flonase) to see if it's something you're comfortable with (not using Google as a reference).

Re: Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

We see Dr Strauss for my sons food allergies and seasonal allergies. He was so bad in 2015 he ended up in the ER. He then started nasonex on top of claritin and benadryl. He stayed with the nasonex for 8 months. April- December. He was on it this past spring and it made a huge difference. He is on nasocort now as it works better. Stupid ragweed season started a few weeks back. He will stay on it until december. Then I start him back on it in early march

Re: Seeing an Allergist for Seasonal Allergies?

I would take him to an allergist and get his diagnosis and recommendations for sure. We also see Dr. Strauss for food and seasonal allergies, and we like him a lot. He is monitoring my DS for allergy shots, since OTC meds help him but only a little. He has spring allergies and it must be ragweed season because both of my guys have been suffering for the past few weeks too. It is awful.