Hi

First off, thank-you for being part of this site and taking time out to answer our questions...

A little history...My 3yr old is taking clarinex syrup, singulair and nasonex
He has a history of sinus infections and seasonal allergies
All allergy testing came back neg (skin and RAST)
My DH has asthma and horrific year round seasonal allergies

Since starting pre-school he's had a few colds and a constant congested, runny, VERY messy nose
I've never used benadryl in the past but a friend rec trying it at night in place of clarinex (worked for her ds with allergies)
I tried benadryl, and he was in a much much better mood during the day and his eyes etc looked better
When I stopped the benadryl, more severe symptoms came back and he complained his mouth hurt (nasal drip?)

I contacted his ENT who we see end of next week and he left me a message that it was Ok to use the benadyl on occasion but not regularly
What does on occasion mean...weekly?
What is safe?
Also, would the benadryl help at all with his reflux symptoms?

I'm thinking the benadryl was helping him sleep and with his nose/allergy symptoms so he was in a better mood during the day/well rested
I'm just confused over his comment about his mouth hurting

Sorry so long...any insight would be helpful!
Thanks again

Kim, the clarinex is normally given daily so giving the benadryl at bedtime ads another antihistamine in the system which is why the doctor is suggesting occasionally, meaning only when absolutely necessary, i.e. 1 monthly. Benadryl does have the benefit of anti-nausea to some extent so this may help with vomitting like gravol would. Also you might get some constipation from using benadryl regularly which can make the reflux worse for some people. The sore mouth could have been from dry mouth caused by the benadryl later the next day or maybe the nasal drip returned (benadryl is much more drying than clarinex). Clarinex has less side effects and has the bonus of once daily dosing compared to benadryl. Maybe the ENT might recommend another non-sedating agent for the allergies.
Hope this helps you
Graham Ph.C.