Runny Nose & Allergies in Children: What to Know in Japan
? Parent: Hello, my daughter has a constantly runny nose, especially in the morning. No fever, no cough. Could this be an allergy?
? Pharmacist: It’s very possible. In Japan, many children suffer from seasonal or dust allergies—especially during spring (pollen) and autumn (dust, mites). If the runny nose is clear and she’s sneezing or rubbing her eyes, it could be allergic rhinitis.
? How to Tell if It’s a Cold or Allergy?
| Symptom | Cold | Allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Runny nose | Thicker, turns yellow | Clear, watery, constant |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Frequent, repetitive |
| Itchy eyes | Rare | Common |
| Fever | Often | Never |
If it lasts more than a week and there’s no fever, it’s likely an allergy.
✅ OTC Allergy Medicines for Children in Japan
In Japan, child-safe antihistamines are available at pharmacies. Look for labels with “こども用” (for children) and the age range. Common ingredients include:
- Chlorpheniramine（クロルフェニラミン）– first-generation antihistamine, may cause drowsiness
- Loratadine（ロラタジン）– second-generation, less drowsy
- Ketotifen（ケトチフェン）– helps with sneezing and itchy eyes
? Popular OTC Products
- Allercut FX Kids Syrup（アレルカットFXこども用）– loratadine, once a day
- Stonarhini Kids（ストナリニSジュニア）– chlorpheniramine
- Muhi Allergy Syrup（ムヒのアレルギーシロップ）– ketotifen, easy on stomach
? Natural Tips & Lifestyle Support
In addition to medicine, try these:
- ? Use a HEPA air filter in the child’s bedroom
- ?️ Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- ? Change clothes and wash face after coming home
- ? Use saline nasal spray for daily cleaning
? A Real-Life Pharmacy Conversation
? Parent: She sneezes every morning and rubs her eyes a lot.
? Pharmacist: That sounds like a typical case of hay fever. I recommend Muhi Allergy Syrup – it’s suitable from age 1 and helps with sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
? Parent: Will it make her sleepy?
? Pharmacist: It can, especially in the first few days. If drowsiness is a concern, we can try a loratadine-based product instead.
⏰ When to See a Doctor?
- ? If the symptoms persist more than 2–3 weeks
- ? If your child develops ear pain or hearing loss
- ? If over-the-counter meds are not effective
? Parent: Thank you. I’ll try the syrup and keep an eye on her symptoms.
? Pharmacist: You’re welcome! Let me know if you need follow-up help or want to switch products later. ?
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