Allergy help - DS stuffy nose all night

[Anonymous]

Wondering if anyone has any advice on allergies in this area? My 6 year old DS has a stuffy nose as soon as he goes to bed and in the morning. In fact, he often wakes in the early hours and has a hard time going back to sleep because of it. I know he gets hayfever, but this night time thing seems to be a particular problem just recently (last week or two). Of course, he doesn't like to take tablets. But, he took a Claritin last night and it made no difference. I'm reluctant to give him Benadryl since it will make him sleepy and we are trying to get used to an early rise routine for the new school year. I've found my other kid is hard to wake after taking Benadryl.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions as to what it might be or what else I can do? Could it be something just in his bedroom (hence it starts as soon as he goes to bed)? Should I do a thorough clean of his room? Is it worth seeing an allergy specialist? DS doesn't seem to think it's a problem, but I know it's keeping him (and us!) awake. (By the way, it seems to be the same whatever pillow he's on, so I don't think it's that.)

TIA

[Anonymous]

My son has been like this also - especially in the last couple of weeks. We've had to give him benedryl the last couple of nights and he was able to sleep. He was harder to wake up on the nights we didn't give it to him b/c his sleep was interrupted by sniffling and coughing all night long.

[Anonymous]

You have to give claritin for a few days before you will see an effect....not just one day. My 6 year old has nasal allergies, and in the fall and spring he takes zyrtec and a nasal spray and that takes care of the symptoms. Also, bathing before bed (and washing hair if you have been outside for awhile that day) helps get rid of pollen. You can try the nasal washes, but good luck getting a kid to do that...I can barely stand it and I'm 33.

[Anonymous]

Bathe before bed, including hair. Keep a bedspread over the bed (including pillow) all day and take it off at night. That way he won't be sleeping in allergens. Allergen proof his bed. Vacuum it with hepa vacuum, then it allergy casings around mattress and pillows. make sure there are no geather in bedding. Wash sheets and other bedding in hot water and heat at least once a week. No carpet in bedroom. No stuffed animals on bed. Etc etc.

[Anonymous]

Heather, not geather