Help!!! Frustrated with 6Yr Olds Sinusitis/allergies

Updated on April 20, 2009
K.H. asks from Evans, GA
20 answers

Looking for some suggestions to help with my daughters chronic sinusitis/allergies. She gets severely congested at least once a month that lasts for 2-3 weeks. It always leads to a cough because of the post nasal drip. Poor thing has been dealing with this since she was 1!! we've been to allergists, primary care doctors, ENT's and each one thinks something different, but NOTHING has helped. She is on all the allergy meds she can be on (which I am not so comfortable with being on all those meds), she has had sinus surgery, we do nasal rinses every night, I've cased all the bedding for dustmites, I have a hepa filter vacuum...Yikes, I'm just so frustrated seeing her be so uncomfortable after doing all these things. If anyone has been in this type of situation and found ANYTHING that works please let me know! I appreciate it so much:)

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M.J.

answers from Charleston on

Have you tried boosting her immune system through Chiropractic??? This would help her so much!!!! You should also clean her diet, take away all dairy and boost with a high grade (whole food) vitamin and probiotics! A good chiro will help you with this too! Good luck!

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B.E.

answers from Atlanta on

I have a son who had chronic sinus problems. We finally took him off ALL dairy and ALL sugar. He improved greatly. When he did get a sinus infection (anytime he got a cold) we gave him a homeopathic remedy called Kali Bichromicum. It cleared him up faster and more effectively than antibiotics. You can get homeopathic meds at a health food store.
If you have a cat or dog, it could be that she is allergic to them. My son is still highly allergic to cats...simply can't be around them.
I hope you all get some relief.

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J.F.

answers from Macon on

Sounds like there is something else going on. Stress or home life, school life can cause problems. Is there too much pressure on the 6 yr old? If you've done all this, doctors, meds, housecleaning, then something else is going on. Does she have an animal or go around one? Sometimes it takes a little investigating. Talk with her.

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G.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Find a good herbal store online or in your neighborhood. They have some wonderful things for children and they are non-narcodic herbs or any natural remedys are how I made it through when my son's had allergies. Also remove rugs, pets and anything that will collect dust. There are website that you can buy household products for people who have these conditions and they will also give advise on the types of material they use.

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P.P.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi K. H,
I have a 7 year old who suffers from allegies/sinus every spring like I do and her peditrician (wonderful woman) set her up early (about a month and 1/2) to start taking Claritin for children and by the time the allergy season starts, she has built up an immune system that helps her through the spring. It's a suggestion that may work for your daughter too.

P. from Woodstock

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M.C.

answers from Charleston on

I asked this same question on here last allergy season regarding my daughter who had terrible allergies last year and recurrent sinus infections and got some similar responses to what you've gotten. I really didn't believe any of it would work, but thought I'd try some of the suggestions anyway. We replaced all of our cleaners and most beauty/health products with chemical free ones (some melaleuca, some from regular stores) and I've been giving my daughter a teaspoon of local honey a day, along with a daily dose of Sinupret for Kids. I don't know if the combination is what improved her allergies or one of the three, but this year, her allergies are about 80% better. Last year we had her on Zyrtec twice a day and a daily nasal steroid and she was still miserable--no sleep, swollen and inflamed sinuses etc. This year, she is on just Zyrtec once per day, sleeping great, and only a few sniffles. Try some of the suggestions you got--these gals are on to something!!

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R.

answers from Spartanburg on

Her issues sound pretty extreme, so I don't know if this will help, but I thougth I would tell you about a product called Sinupret that you can find at most Walmart stores. Since I started using it on my kids (who get sick at least once a month and can stay sick for 2 weeks with nasty cough, snotty nose, fever, etc.), their cold and allergy symptoms usually don't last more than 2 days while on the medication. The bottle is $15, so it's not cheap, but it's been worth it. It may not help your daughter as much, but it might give her some relief. Hope this helps.

K.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

I have had success using supplements to build the immune system with my family as a preventative as my hubby and I both had allergies as children. I have a friend who now uses supplemnents, also got rid of all toxins in the home and uses the Air Source to help with the air quality in the house. This is enough most of the time but they still deal with flair ups (like right now) so I sent her an some info on homeopathices and she added those and that has made all the difference. I would be happy to share any of this info with you if you would like.

Sincerly,
K. B

www.shaklee.net/takecontrol

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J.S.

answers from Atlanta on

I also have a 6 year old with chronic sinus issues. He had sinus surgery at age 3 and has taken and is on many of the allergy medications. We have done nasal rinses since he was 3 as well. He has been tested for allergies (skin and blood test) and has come up positive with the skin allergies and negative with the blood test. He gets a sinus infection at least 5-7 times each year. We have been working with a fantastic pediatric ENT since he was 2 1/2. If you would like her name, please contact me directly.

I also have a 2 yr. old and 4 month old who both are currently being treated for reflux. The doctor had also diagnosed my first child with reflux at 3 months but I chose not to give him the medicine because he didn't appear to need it. At the recommendation of the kids' ENT, I am having both my 2 yr. old and 6 yr. old seen by a gastrointerologist (sp). The ENT seems to think that my 6 yr. old may have silent reflux which may contribute to his sinus issues. Evidently, the reflux causes the mucous linings to weep which can cause inflammation.

I have also had sinus issues since birth. I felt the best when I went on an allergy diet to determine which food allergies I had. I have a sneaking suspicion that my children may also have food allergies but it is very difficult to get them to eat the strict diet to figure out which foods are triggers.

One of the last things I am going to start giving the kids are the lactobacillius supplements. In everything I have read, the intestines play a major role in a body's immune system. So I hope by helping them this way we can avoid more sinus issues. There is also something called Sinupred being advertised on tv. I have not had a chance to research it.

I am hoping to figure out exactly how to get the sinus issues under control for all of our children. I don't want them to have to suffer and take more antibiotics.

Good luck and let me know if you figure it all out.

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S.P.

answers from Charleston on

Have you ever considered chiropractic? Try looking up a wellness based family chiropractor in your area. Regular adjustment can help to get the body functioning properly. If you are in the Charleston area I recommend Atlantic Coast Family Chiropractic in Summerville. The doc there is heather Wyant and she has cared for my family for the past few years. She specializes in children and is located on Trolley Rd. You can visit her website also. I'm not sure of the exact address but you can google her office and find her site. My 12 year old sister has been getting adjusted for a little over three years now and prior to getting adjusted regularly had constant recurring urinary tract infections and was on constant antibiotics. She has had maybe two in the past three years and I know that her body functions better due to our visits to the chiropractor.

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H.R.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

Not sure what you are up for, but.... I had been dealing with the same thing with my 4 year old. I took her to a naturopathic Dr. and we are working on building her immume system. She has been on the program for a week and half and has cleared up and finally able to sleep the night without coughing from the nasal drip. Its been great to finally see a change in her and she's so much happier. I can give you the name and number of the Dr. She is in Conway, sc

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A.G.

answers from Atlanta on

I know this is going to sound like it wont work but it will. It wont be a quick fix but it will be a permanent one. I too suffered with horrible allergies when I moved from the city to a home in the mountains. Within weeks, I was suffering the same ailments as your precious daughter. i went to every doctor that would see me and was given a pharmacy of meds to treat it. Nothing worked. Then, one day, I was talking with a bunch of moms at soccer practice and one suggested the one thing that worked. She told me to get some local honey and take a spoon full three times a day. Within a month, my symptoms were greatly reduced to a point where I could actually sleep through the night. The honey has to be local. It contains all the allergens that are in the air. Taking the honey allows your body to build up its own immunity to the allergens slowly, rather than causing an allergic reaction. It may sound too good to be true but it also sounds like you have tried everything else. Besides, what can it hurt?

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Y.W.

answers from Athens on

I feel your pain. Your poor baby has been dealing with this all her life. You might want to pull up any carpet you have in your house and replace it with tile or hardwood. Get rid of pets if you have any. Don't use any aerolsol sprays, cologne, baby powder, or air fresheners. They can irritate her sinus. That was my problem before I figured it out. Has the Dr. checked her adnoids or tonsils? My daughter had her adnoids removed and her sinus and breathing problems went away. My girlfriend noticed that when she cleaned out her closets her sinuses would bother her the next day.

I know you have been dealing with this a long time and my suggestions may not be new to you. I just hope your daughter gets some relief. If she is lucky she will grow out of it.

As her mom and one that stays at home, you are in a great position to make observations regarding your daughter's allergies. Get a notebook. Take note of what kinds of medications she is taking. The time of year it is, where or not she is having problems in the mornings or at night. Observe when she is feeling well and when she is not. Think about all the things that may have happened that day and jot them down. Think of things that may effect air quality, like cleaning your house or maybe the lack of. If your weather man gives you a local pollen count, write that down too. See if you notice any patterns.

It won't easy but then again it hasn't been for the last 5 years. Good luck!

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P.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hello, I have been there. I know what you are going through. Removing all dairy from her diet would start to help immediately. Look for other sources of calcium for her diet like orange juice w/calcium and fortified cereals. I give my kids 1 tsp organic apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp organic honey in a cup of warm water during the cold and allergy season and it has really helped them and me as well. Good luck!

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C.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi . . . my son has allergies as well and although zyrtec has been helping I was told to try giving him a tbsp. of "local bought honey" each day which supposedly helps with allergies since the bees go to the local flowers and then the honey is made from their bee hives. I have only been doing it a short time so we shall see, but I also know that my friend started it with her dog who gets HORRIBLE skin irritation in the spring summer and fall and doesn't clear up until winter and it was sooo sad to see his fur coming off and all the soars he would get - now with honey in his food everyday for the past couple of months - his coat is beautiful and he has no irritation - her vet couldn't believe it after all the drugs she tried in the past that didn't work - so I said it is worth a try for my son - anyway, if you try this - let me know if it works!! Good luck no matter what you do try!! I know how heart wrenching it is to watch your child suffer!!

~C.

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J.L.

answers from Atlanta on

I too would suggest Chiropractic Care, but in the mean time you can try something called "Little Allergies" its in the kids section for allergy stuff like benedryl, etc. My son would go outside to plat for an hour and then be sick for 3 weeks, all you do is rub a tiny dot amount under and around their nose and it helps block out allergens from being breathed in. I have used it many times now this year with EXCELLENT results, good luck!!

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M.G.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Kellly - Have you tried eliminating all dairy from your daughter's diet. This has worked wonders for my daughter. Best of luck

K.M.

answers from Atlanta on

I found out how much the products we use to clean our house, wash our clothes, and bath our selves can affect our health. Everything that touches our skin is absorbed into the blood stream within 2 seconds! Cleaners that contain harsh chemicals and phosphates are directly related to many cases of allergies and asthma. I have tried many of the products that are on the store shelf but I have recently found a way to get green products in my home while saving money by shopping factory direct. They offer a free go green seminar. If you are interested email me back or visit this site to request a seat! http://www.gogreenwebcast.com/gagreen

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D.H.

answers from Atlanta on

The first thing I would ask is does she drink cow's milk? If so, get her off and keep her off. Cow's milk is VERY mucus forming and really not good for the body. If she has to have 'milk', there are alternatives. I like almond milk, but can't stand rice or soy milk. But others don't have a problem with the taste of the others...I'm just picky. My 3yo will drink any of it including powdered milk.

I'm not a meds person either. Here is a link to where you can order a formula called "Immucalm". You can get it in capsules (I'm assuming she can swallow them now) or you can get the Kid-E-Soothe (it's an extract, if she doesn't swallow capsules). This is for allergies to animals, foods, and seasonal. This formula helps calm down the overactive immune system to the above.

There are sinus formulas as well and they are wonderful. I love Dr. C's formulas. They are my favorite.

I do have one son that is prone to coughs here and there. We give him the Lung and Bronchial formula, which is fabulous (my husband has asthma too and he uses this from time to time and it's awesome...my husband does not and has never used meds). You can get the L&B in capsules or extract. I've given the extract to infants, so it's no biggy...just thought I'd mention that.

Another thing would be to increase her Vitamin C intake. It will reduce the inflammation. There are chewables or liquids or even something you can get at Wal Mart called Emergen-C. It's a drink powder mix that you can get in several flavors. It's like a fizzy drink. I give my 3yo two packets daily, which is 2000mg total. She can't handle anymore than that.

We boost our immune system with our favorite called Beta Glucan (only in capsules). The first sign of sore throat, drainage, etc., we take it and that minimizes it and makes it go away. It's something that we've had in our house for 8 years.

Probiotics would also be a GREAT thing to keep on hand...especially if she has had antibiotics.

Reducing sugar intake and processed foods will also help her body. Taking in too much toxins can tax the system and the above things will help out a lot.

You are probably reading this and wondering where to start. I would go to a local health food store and buy some Beta Glucan...brand name NOW for about 12 dollars. Then go online and order the Immucalm or Kid-E-Soothe and L&B and as soon as that arrives, get her on that. Those would be the first thing that you should do. And eventually, get
Vitamin C.

If you can get a handle on it when it first shows it's face, then it won't get all out of hand and you'll be able to handle it as well as she.

Because her problem seems chronic, I would definitely be looking into another area such as cleaners. Cleaners cause all sorts of trouble and people never look at them as the culprit. I would be ditching any and all chemicals in your house and going 'green'. 'Green up your clean up' would be a great book to buy and check on that. But, if you can afford natural and environmentally safe cleaners found at Whole Foods, Krogers, etc., and from people that sell them at Melaleuca, Shaklee, etc., then I would go for it and do a complete change. I promise you, you'll notice a change!

I hope she can find relief soon!

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J.M.

answers from Atlanta on

One of my friends who lives in Denver had the same issues with both of her boys. A friend turned her onto Vemma and it was like a miracle. Both her boys always had runny noses and sinus issues and then it stopped. She was so taken by it that she actually quit her high paying job as a Chef and went to work for Vemma full time. Anyway, she started our family on it and we love it. I swear my 4 year old has not been sick all year since we started her on it. It is great for sinus issues because the high level of antioxidants reduces inflammation. She would be happy to tell you all about it and could get you a sample. They have a one month trial that you can get. I don't sell it, so you would have to contact Juliet, or she would be happy to email or call you. ____@____.com If I can answer any questions I'd be happy to as well.

Jen

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