Allergic Rhinitis in Children

Allergic Rhinitis in Children

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the mucous membrane inside the nose.

It causes sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and the feeling of mucus going down the back of the throat (postnasal drip). Allergic rhinitis can be mild to severe.

What are the causes?

This condition happens when the body’s defense system (immune system) responds to certain harmless substances called allergens as though they were germs. This condition is often triggered by the following allergens:

  • Pollen.
  • Grass and weeds.
  • Mold spores.
  • Dust.
  • Smoke.
  • Mold.
  • Pet dander.
  • Animal hair.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in children who have a family history of allergies or conditions related to allergies, such as:

  • Allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Bronchial asthma.
  • Atopic dermatitis.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • A runny nose.
  • A stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Sneezing.
  • Itchy and watery nose, mouth, ears, or eyes.
  • Sore throat.
  • Cough.
  • Headache.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition can be diagnosed based on:

  • Your child’s symptoms.
  • Your child’s medical history.
  • A physical exam.

During the exam, your child’s health care provider will check your child’s eyes, ears, nose, and throat. He or she may also order tests, such as:

  • Skin tests. These tests involve pricking the skin with a tiny needle and injecting small amounts of possible allergens. These tests can help to show which substances your child is allergic to.
  • Blood tests.
  • A nasal smear. This test is done to check for infection.

Your child’s health care provider may refer your child to a specialist who treats allergies (allergist).

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on your child’s age and symptoms. Treatment may include:

  • Using a nasal spray to block the reaction or to reduce inflammation and congestion.
  • Using a saline spray or a container called a Neti pot to rinse (flush) out the nose (nasal irrigation). This can help clear away mucus and keep the nasal passages moist.
  • Medicines to block an allergic reaction and inflammation. These may include antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists.
  • Repeated exposure to tiny amounts of allergens (immunotherapyor allergy shots). This helps build up a tolerance and prevent future allergic reactions.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • If you know that certain allergens trigger your child’s condition, help your child avoid them whenever possible.
  • Have your child use nasal sprays only as told by your child’s health care provider.
  • Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

  • Help your child avoid known allergens when possible.
  • Give your child preventive medicine as told by his or her health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your child’s symptoms do not improve with treatment.
  • Your child has a fever.
  • Your child is having trouble sleeping because of nasal congestion.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child has trouble breathing.
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