General Medicine
Question #17881
2 days ago
13

Cetirizine Syrup - #17881

Anonymously

A few months ago, my 6-year-old son started having constant sneezing and a blocked nose, especially in the mornings. At first, I thought it was just a normal cold, but it kept happening every day. We visited a doctor, and he said it was an allergic reaction, most likely due to dust or pollen. He prescribed cetirizine syrup, saying it would help reduce the symptoms. I started giving my son cetirizine syrup as instructed, and within an hour, the sneezing and congestion were much better. For the next few days, his symptoms were completely under control, so I thought the issue was solved. But as soon as I stopped cetirizine syrup, the sneezing came back. It almost feels like his body has become dependent on it. I don’t want him to be on medication for allergies all the time, especially at such a young age. Also, after taking cetirizine syrup, he seems very drowsy and low on energy, even during school hours. His teacher even asked if he wasn’t getting enough sleep at home. I didn’t know that this syrup could cause drowsiness. Is this normal, and if so, are there any natural alternatives in Ayurveda? I have heard that allergies can be treated naturally by improving immunity. Are there Ayurvedic herbs or remedies that can help reduce allergic reactions so that my son doesn’t have to rely on cetirizine syrup all the time? Also, do certain foods make allergies worse? If I want to completely stop using cetirizine syrup, should I reduce the dosage gradually, or is it okay to stop suddenly? Also, some people have suggested that honey, turmeric, and tulsi might be beneficial. Is this true? How should I give them to my son? If I follow an Ayurvedic approach, how long would it take to see improvement? I really don’t want my child to be stuck on medicines forever.

Cetirizine syrup
Ayurveda for allergies
Herbal alternatives for cetirizine
Natural remedies for sneezing
Ayurvedic immunity boosters
Children’s health ayurveda

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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
2 days ago
4.83
It’s understandable that you’re concerned about your son’s reliance on cetirizine syrup for his allergy symptoms and the side effects, like drowsiness. You’re right to look into natural alternatives, and Ayurveda can offer effective remedies to help manage and reduce allergic reactions without relying on medication long-term. In Ayurveda, allergies are often linked to an imbalance in the immune system, specifically in the Vata and Kapha doshas, which can be aggravated by environmental factors like dust and pollen. Strengthening the immune system and balancing the doshas can help alleviate symptoms over time. Herbs like Tulsi (holy basil) and Turmeric are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Tulsi helps clear the nasal passages and improves respiratory health, while turmeric is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. You can give your son 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric mixed with warm milk or water, and a few leaves of Tulsi can be boiled in water and consumed daily as a tea. Honey can also be effective, especially if it’s local honey, as it may help desensitize your son’s immune system to local pollen. A teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water or a little lemon can be given in the morning. Ghee, especially cow’s ghee, is often recommended in Ayurveda for its ability to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory health, so you can consider giving him a small amount daily. When switching from cetirizine syrup to a natural remedy, it’s best to gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping suddenly, to avoid a rebound in symptoms. You can start by lowering the dose of the medication each day, while introducing Ayurvedic remedies into his routine. This way, his body can adjust, and you can monitor how well the natural remedies are working. It may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to notice improvement, depending on his condition and consistency with the treatment. Additionally, in Ayurveda, dietary changes are often recommended. Avoiding cold and heavy foods, especially during allergy season, can help maintain balance. Try to reduce processed foods, dairy, and sugar, which can aggravate mucus production and inflammation. Opt for warm, light foods that are easier to digest, like soups and stews with anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and cumin. For long-term prevention, Ayurveda also recommends strengthening immunity through a balanced lifestyle that includes regular sleep, moderate exercise, and stress management techniques. Practices like pranayama (breathing exercises) can also help clear the airways and improve lung health, reducing allergic reactions over time. Ultimately, Ayurveda works to build your son's immune system and manage the allergic reaction more naturally, so with consistent effort, you should see positive results. However, it’s essential to work closely with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure the best approach for his unique constitution.

0 replies
Dr Sujal Patil
Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda. I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.
1 day ago
4.83
I completely understand your concern about your son's allergies and the long-term effects of antihistamines. In Ayurveda, allergic rhinitis is considered a Kapha-Vata imbalance, often triggered by weak digestion (low Agni) and toxin buildup (Ama). Dust, pollen, and seasonal changes aggravate this imbalance, leading to constant sneezing and congestion. Instead of just suppressing symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on strengthening immunity, balancing Kapha, and reducing hypersensitivity naturally. You can start by introducing Ayurvedic herbs that help reduce allergic reactions and improve respiratory health. Sitopaladi Churna (¼ tsp with honey twice a day) is excellent for clearing mucus and boosting lung function. Turmeric milk (warm milk with a pinch of turmeric before bed) helps strengthen immunity over time. Tulsi juice or Tulsi tea (1-2 leaves in warm water) is great for fighting respiratory allergies. Honey (¼ tsp daily) acts as a natural antihistamine but should be given in lukewarm water, never heated. Diet plays a crucial role in allergies. Avoid cold, heavy, or dairy-based foods like ice cream, yogurt, and cheese, as they increase Kapha and worsen congestion. Instead, include warm soups, ginger tea, and light, easily digestible meals to improve digestion and reduce mucus production. Keeping your home free from dust and using nasal drops like Anu Taila (2 drops in each nostril every morning) can also help keep his nasal passages clear. Since your son has been on cetirizine, you can gradually reduce the dosage while introducing Ayurvedic remedies to avoid sudden flare-ups.

0 replies

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