If your child is experiencing watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough, he/she might be experiencing allergies. Try giving him/her an over-the-counter medication with an antihistamine such as Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra. Please refer to our medications dosing guidelines for the appropriate dose of medication.
If your child develops an allergic reaction to a trigger such as a new food, medication, or other substance, he/she may develop a rash that is itchy and appears like hives. You can give your child Benadryl to help alleviate this. Benadryl acts quicker but needs to be given every 6-8 hours. See your pediatrician if your child develops hives and is not responsive to Benadryl.
However, if your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, tongue or lip swelling, difficulty swallowing, dizziness/fainting, or severe abdominal pain, following a new exposure, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest ER/urgent care.