Children know best whether an allergy spray works for them

A recent 14-day study that compared the efficacy of an allergy spray in 304 children aged 6-11 years with seasonal allergic rhinitis showed that the result depended on who assessed symptoms: children themselves or their caregiver.

Children reported significant improvement in their symptoms when they received MP-AzeFlu (Dymista) compared with placebo. Caregivers, on the other hand, where unable to accurately gauge the severity of symptoms on their children's behalf.

"Symptom severity assessment by caregivers and children cannot be assumed to be the same. In fact, caregivers are less sensitive than children in assessing response to treatment, at least with available tools," said Dr. William Berger, lead author of the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology study. "In this regard children, and not caregivers, appear to know best!"