I also posted this on the allergy board...really seeking your opinions!

OK, I dont know what to think...my son has undiagnosed allergies (meaning the skin pricks showed up negative.) a year ago the allergist said they believed he had allergy induced asthma and put him on flovent daily and zyrtec as needed. the wheezing only happened after a bad cold. never any other time. the respiratory infections were endless, until we moved from an old home in corpus christi, tx which was also a very humid environment. thus, they thought he was allergic to mold. after we started the flovent the congested cough he had for months went away. we then moved out of the old home and he has not had any signs of asthma since. he has had 2 minor colds since then that DID NOT result in the wheezing he used to get. so, we weaned him off of flovent. he has been off for about one month now. it could be the weather, perhaps, there has been lots of rain yet the heat is pretty intense here in san antonio, but we are noticing my son starting to rub his nose alot again....its runny, his lymph nodes are swelling a little on the back of his neck, and the purple has returned under his eyes. he doesnt talk well yet so he cant tell me what he is feeling, i have to guess. but i am writing today because the zyrtec isnt doing a dang thing, i even gave him motrin in case something else was bothering him, but nothing seemed to make him feel better today. my question for you all is...could the flovent have been helping him in some way? my ped. says no, it only is helping the lungs. but i think i heard that a study was done saying that flovent-like meds helped allergies in some cases. any insight? sincerely, Kris

Hiya Moxie :wave:

Allergy medications are fickle creatures and many times one works and another does not. For example, I am severly allergic to dust mites. Zyrtec will help the sneezies and the upper respitory symtoms but not the skin reactions and my itchy mouth and inner ear. Allegra-D does similar things but the regular Allegra works for me. As you can see allergy medications can vary greatly. My suggestion is to first get your sons' IgE levels tested. Its a simple blood test that can detect specific allergens. Then based on the results, your doctor can succesfully find a proper treatment plan which might not include Zyrtec. Those with high IgE scores are cadidates for Xoliar. I don't know much about the Xolair but I hear great things about it. Also, see a specialist such as an allergist. (if you arent already are) He/She might be able to do more for your son than a general practisioner (sp) Do some research and I am sure your son will benefit greatly. Good Luck! :)

Flovent's an inhaled corticosteroid, and it does only work in the lungs. There are nasal versions, however. Rain does bring incresed mold counts....It could be that your son is inclined to inflammatory responses to an allergen that might not have shown up on the test. In folks with mild to moderate allergies, inhaled steroids can be very effective treatment. It's harder for young ones to use a nasal inhaler, but it might be worth a try.

Hope your little buddy's feeling better soon!

hey i have allergy induced asthma for the past 18 years. its hard for me to take medication b/c it all puts me to sleep but allerga-d has really helped me. i dont take it all the time just when i feel like i really need it. i was tested for all the allergic reactions i could have and come to find out im not suppose to go out side or be in side, so i have a lose lose situation. but the allergy shot they can put people on is better than asthma medication when i was on them i had not trouble out of my asthma. they cost alot. i think my mom and dad were paying out $900.00 a month for them. but it tough and it will take a while to figure out hte best medication. allergy induced asthma is your allergic to everything around you and it makes it to where you are having a hard time bereathing or you are whezzing. Good luck.