Medicine for Cedar Allergies That Can Be Taken by Babies

The idea of using medicine when treating babies for cedar allergies may seem extreme to some. In areas such as Central Texas, medicine that is suitable to be taken by babies can be a blessing. In locations such as these, cedar season is as common as winter, spring, summer and fall. The resulting allergies plague both the young and the old, in various degrees.

History

• For centuries, the terms hay fever and cedar fever have been used to identify the fever that is often associated with allergies. Cedar allergies are a direct result of the pollens that come from cedar. The airborne spores are active from December through the middle of February. The most troublesome areas are regions where cedar trees are abundant. Typical symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, sniffling, sneezing and stopped up noses.

Identify

• When infants suffer from cedar allergies, they can't verbalize what is bothering them. Since the symptoms can resemble a common cold or flu, it is important to remember that, unlike viruses that usually last about five days, allergy symptoms persist much longer. Since the mucus from allergies drains down the throat, the inability to clear the throat causes irritation. An allergy-related fever may result. It is typically a low-grade fever, but symptoms may increase and are most often felt at night.

Significance

• Cedar allergies affect babies, children, teens and adults, but treating infants requires the most caution. Parents prefer to seek drug-free alternatives to allergy treatments. Less serious cases of cedar allergies may not even warrant the use of medication. However, high-risk infants who are more prone to developing allergies stand to be affected more seriously and may require more aggressive treatment. For a safe option, parents and caregivers have turned to the FDA-approved Zyrtec for infants and young children.

Consideration

• The high incidence of cedar and other allergies in one Texas town prompted a clinical research. A related study was helpful in reformulating Astepro, an allergy drug currently used by children as young as 12 years old. It is these types of studies that help to create and modify medications so they will be safe for treating infants with severe cedar allergies. For example, Zyrtec syrup (Active ingredient cetirizine HCl) is available for infants as young as six months who suffer with year-round allergies. A chewable version of Zyrtec also exists and can be given to children aged two years and older.

Prevention

• Quality air filters can do much to relieve the suffering associated with cedar allergies. Statistics show if one parent has an allergy, a child is 25 percent more likely to develop allergies. If both parents have allergies, the child has a 75 percent chance of developing allergies. One way parents can take preventive steps is by getting a HEPA filter. These quality filters trap at least 99.97 percent of harmful airborne particles.