Q & A >> Panel of Experts

Panel of Experts

Post your question!

Question

Children Concerned over son's nose sensitivity My son aged 3+ has always had a problem with his nose sensitivity. Previously, he used to take the nasal spray medicine by the name of Flixonase as prescribed by his paediatrician since he was 1+. However, towards age 3 he refused to take the spray on a nightly basis hence I changed to a weekly basis.

I am not sure whether this arrangement affects his allergy towards his surroundings. Every time the weather changes, he catches the flu for a few days. Therefore, as recommended by the doctor, I also give him some flu medicine and this will cure him after a few days. This kind of situation occurs quite frequently lately because of the changes in the weather.

I just don't know whether I am helping him take care of his problem or if it will affect his health later on when he grows up.

I really need some answers and advice.

Thank you.

Answer

Answered by Dr Hon He has allergic rhinitis and usually in tropical countries like Malaysia, this is due to indoor allergens like house dust mites and mould. He probably will not grow out of it and will have it life long.

There is no cure and we can only control the symptoms by using nasal sprays or oral antihistamines (flu medication).

The best is to use the nasal spray on a daily basis until the symptoms are controlled, then taper it down to every other day use or use it daily for 6 weeks and then stop for 2 weeks.

If the symptoms return, start the spray daily again.

If you opt to use oral antihistamines, you can use it as and when he needs it.

The nasal spray is ineffective if you use it on a weekly basis.

Past Questions

Browse categories :

Ask The Experts

If you have a question about your child's development or health or even a question about your pregnancy or fitness, fill up the form below.

We will get out panel of experts to answer your question as best they can.

Dentist Dr Alida Mahyuddin

Dr Alida is a senior lecturer and specialist in Paediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, UKM. She is also the Visiting Consultant at the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, UKM Medical Centre, and a committee member of the Global Children Dental Health taskforce.
Paediatrician Dr. Hon Mun Cheng

Dr Hon is trained in paediatrics, infectious disease, nephrology and neonatology. The mother of two now practices in a private clinic.
Midwife Ann Ibrahim

Ann has been practising midwifery for over a decade now. Having completed her degree, she worked in Britain for a spell and then returned to her homeland Malaysia.
Psychologist Woo Pei Jun

Woo is a developmental psychologist who has studied and worked in Malaysia and the United States. Her areas of research have involved cross cultural issues related to eating disorders amongst Asians, mental health and behavioural problems amongst children and youth in Malaysia.
Fitness guru Debbra Lee

Lee is certified through the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) from Britain, with specialty certification in pregnancy and postnatal fitness by the YMCA (Britain). She has been conducting pre and post-natal classes for many years. She is the proprietor of Fit For 2 cafe, Kuala Lumpur.
Obstetrician / Gynaecologist Dr Ng Kok Chong

Dr Ng was a lecturer at Universiti Malaya. He is currently a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at private clinic. His sub-speciality is infertilty.
Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Yong Junina

Dr Yong Junina is a consultant paediatrician at Klinik Pakar Kanak-Kanak Junina, Mutiara Damansara, and visiting paediatric cardiologist at Darul Ehsan Medical Centre, Shah Alam and Hospital UKM. She is also a visiting lecturer for the department of paediatrics, faculty of medicine, UKM.