Please, please take him to the dr and get the right treatment for him.

In my case, I take 2 prescription allergy pills a day. For many years, I was just taking Allegra 180--which helped a great deal, but even with that, I still couldn't even walk past a candle shop without having a reaction. Still the Allegra helped take the edge off my worst symptoms. Then, my dr. added Singulair (it's an asthma medication that also works on allergies.) The combination of the 2 has made a great difference to me. I can even go into a candle shop now, without feeling as if I have to force myself to breathe (not that I have candles in my home, though--LOL!)

However, you don't want to put a child on anything like that without consulting a dr. And probably not this close to him having to take such important tests. Allergy meds CAN have some major side effects. You really don't want to be adding something that could cause depression, or other issues right now. And unfortunately, if he were to be allergic to a new med, about 1-2 weeks is when those sorts of things can show up, in many cases.

Caffeine is also helpful during times of extreme allergy attack--if he drinks coffee, that will help some.

But really, make him an appt. with his dr., explain what's going on in his life, why this is an issue now, and see what he/she can recommend. I do know what he's going through and sympathize. Just remind him, that while annoying, allergies aren't that big a deal unless you let them disrupt your life. Loads of us have them, deal with them (and yes, I still have allergy problems even WITH the meds), and move on with our lives. The sooner he realizes that, the better, because he's probably going to be a sufferer the rest of his life, unfortunately. Good luck on the test!!! Hope he aces them.

First and foremost - avoid rubbing the eyes! I use Naphcon-A eye drops. They are over the counter and really help me with the itchy eyes. But once you start rubbing - its 10 times worse. I now just take the generic form of Allerga - not the Allegra D - which would make me woozy and feel out of it. I did take allergy shots for 11 years - way past the time I was told I would have to but here in Florida we never really have a season that allergies aren't bad.

I think I am correct in saying that if he isn't stuffed up, he shouldn't use a decongestant. You want something to dry him up instead. I have also been told that for some it is best to use two seperate meds if needed- a seperate decongestant from the antihistamine.

Probably would be best to go see a doctor but if you can find plain Allegra over the counter try it with the eye drops. It may take a couple days for it to really do any good.

I have seasonal allergies as well as chronic allergies. I recommend Allegra (NOT Allegra D). It is now available over the counter. Take it everyday (even if you have no symptoms) at about the same time each day. Tis is very important! I take it at night, but several hours before bed (around 7 at night). I also take Singulair, but that requires a prescription.

When he has the time I recommend he get allergy testing and do allergy shots. I've been doing them for a year. I'm down to once a month now.

If he has glasses, he needs to stop wearing contacts until the pollen season is over. Even if he is cleaning them daily, they do not let his tears properly clean his eyes.

Zyrtec also has eye drops that might help. I have not used it but I keep saline with me at all times and regularly just wash my eyes. Do not get the kind with the "red reduce" just the plain saline drops.

Those nose washes thingies can also help tremendously. I have trouble using them, makes me gag and stuff but they do work.

I take Allegra (Allegra-D), which helps me.

But whatever he takes, another tool to use is a simple saline nasal spray. No side effects, use as often as you like, and it helps to clear away pollen from the nasal passages.

Allergra works GREAT for me too. I don't feel at all sleepy and my symptoms just disappear.

When I was young I used to take 1/4 of a prescription Actifed tablet and remember as if it were yesterday watching a film (not a video, ha ha,) in class and propping open my eyelids. It was sooooo embarrassing because I was desperately trying to fight the sleepiness.

I currently use zyrtec take it every night I also use advair inhaler to help with my breathing pathways and inflammation and generic flonase.

I was on allegra for years and had horrible back pain then I heard a waring about allegra connected to back pain, sure enough after digging deeply in the small print in the allegra info it does say that it can cause back pain. My doc was not aware of that warning so he too researched it, he switched me to zyrtec and it was a drastic change for me, so if you take allegra and find you have back pain it could be related.

I also found I had food allergies and they greatly contributed to how severe my seasonal allergies symptoms were.

Have him try using some thing like cetaphil cleanser in the shower rather than actual soaps and especially avoid scented soaps and shampoos they definitely contributed to mine when they were acting up. Many of those kinds of products contain plant materials. Stuff with tea tree oil in it sets me off bad.

Me too, Raven, re the plant products in shampoos, etc. My back gets sooooooo itchy! I didn't know that Allegra can cause back ache; I only take a few a year so maybe it wasn't enough to trigger such a reaction. Ya learn something new every day.

I think you should consider food that could be making his allergies worse. Milk is a real no no for my son. If he was on a non milk formula as a baby, have him drop ALL milk during allergy season. Same for other foods he is/was sensitive to. You can do at least this much while he is taking finals. Experimenting with new prescriptions might best be done after all the exams.

I want to add that I took my son to an allergist, who had an arsenal of medications much more effective than the pediatrician had.

I have been on allergy shots for about 12 years now and it has been a lifesaver. But still, during April and May I have a very hard time. I take Allegra 180 year around and use Nasacort nasal spray during the worst pollen. For my itchy eyes I was using Patanol (by prescription) but have recently switched to Zadator eye drops (over the counter). Lots of people, like me, have very dry eyes, in addition to the allergies. If your son's eyes are dry, there are some really good artificial tears on the market now that might be of some help to cut back on the irritation. Good luck.

I have been taking zyrtec since it was Rx med, it does have to build up in your system, it is now an instant relief medication. That along with guaifenex, and seasonally a nasal spray and eye drop, got me thru many years. Now I take the zyrtec daily and for the most part I can handle all but the very worst of days.....till I run into heavy scents (cologne, candles, etc).

I've lost my sensitivity to most allergies except mold spores which still bother a little. When things were bad, the best thing for me was get into a room with an ionizer going. Clean air refreshes you, and your body will clean things out quickly. Once you can breathe easily you can sleep better and all this amounts to one much better mood.

I still get stuffed up but most of the time it's just dry air. So I do one of to things, well one of 3: Get into moist area (foggy mornings are fabulous); Run hot water and stand over the steam for a bit, or; use a saline nasal spray to moisten the sinuses.

I tend to believe that the body is better off with as few meds as possible. Take 'em when needed but I avoid 'em if I don't really need them. I can't help but believe that this contributed to losing the sensitivity.

Hope his condition improves quickly.

Look in to getting a GOOD air cleaner. Not sonic air, those are pretty well worthless. If he can at least sleep in "clean air", it will help get through the day.

I take two allergy shots weekly, for the last four years, for about 25 years I took one weekly. I also take allegra, and when things really bother me a nasal spray and some musinex to top it off.

It really depends on what he is allergic to.

But when I can at least sleep good, I can usually make it through the day.

This year has been the worst ever for me.

Moni

My allergy symptoms dropped significantly when I started using a neti pot. I hope you can figure out how to get him some relief!

I use the neti pot too, works great.

In a previous similar thread, someone mentioned the product linked below. I have been unable to find it in local stores and have not tried it, but it looks interesting.

The sneezing, itchy watering eyes can sure be torture.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chloraceptic Allergen Block gel

Two back-to-back family parties has kept me away from the computer since originating this post -- but WOW - thanks for all of the informative responses!

I will use a lot of this advice.

Seeing an allergist is probably the best route to go -- but since his exams are this week, the best I can do is suggest things to him that will make him more comfortable.

I am fortunate in that I am NOT a seasonal-allergy sufferer but for a few sneezes here and there... and so it only recently occurred to me to NOT HANG his clothes outdoors in the fresh air (DUH!) And to not have his fan blowing fresh air into his room. Seems so logical to those of you who suffer - but this is new to me.

He does wear contacts (dailies), but I will suggest he doesn't for however long allergy "season" lasts.

Thanks again for all the suggestions and tips. I am going back to reread all the responses... take some notes... and share them with him when he comes home later.

Have a good evening!

Def. use the Neil med sinus rinse. I use the one in with
the bottle, so much easier than the pot! It really really
helps. If I want pretty fast relief from symptoms, I
will use a DAYQUILL and it really helps. clariton does
nothing... I had outgrown so many of my allergies and
havent suffered for a long time, until this year! yikes!
good luck to your son!

here it is...
neil med sinus rinse... you can find it at drug stores... costco, I found it at safeway too.

Here is a link that might be useful: sinus rinse