When Your Child Has Nasal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Nasal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the nose. It happens when irritants or allergens in the air set off the body to make histamine. Histamine causes itching and inflammation. It also causes mucus to be made in the nose, sinus linings, and eyelids.

Children with nasal allergies are sensitive to 1 or more substances in the air. Some children have allergies that come and go with the seasons (hay fever). Others may have allergies all year long. These allergies can cause your child to lose sleep and feel tired. Your child may have trouble paying attention in school. It's important that you and your child's health care provider make a plan to help keep your child's allergies under control.

The 2 types of nasal allergies are:

• Seasonal. This type occurs mainly during pollen seasons.
• Perennial. This type occurs throughout the year.

Nasal allergies are often caused by 1 or more of these:

• Tiny bugs (dust mites) that live in carpets, bedding, stuffed toys, and other fabric items.
• Pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds.
• Cockroaches.
• Animal dander from furry or feathered pets or other animals.
• Mold.
• Insect venom.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Certain foods, chemicals, and medicines.

There is often a family history of nasal allergies.

Symptoms of nasal allergies can be mild or severe. Your child may have:

• Sneezing.
• Runny (clear drainage) or stuffy nose.
• Itchy, watery, red, or swollen eyes.
• Itchy nose, throat, and ears.
• Nosebleeds.
• Cough from mucus dripping down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
• Sore throat.
• Wheezing.
• Dark circles under the eyes.
• Face pressure or pain.
• Frequent ear or sinus infections.
• Snoring.
• Poor performance in school.

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always see your child's health care provider for a diagnosis.

Your child's health care provider will ask about your child's past health. They'll also do a physical exam. Your child may be referred to an allergist. This is a provider who specializes in allergy skin testing. Skin or blood tests help identify which allergens your child is most sensitive to. This helps you and your child's provider make a good treatment plan.

Limiting your child's exposure to allergens is a vital part of treatment. Talk with your child's health care provider about the best way to limit your child's contact with things that cause their allergies. The provider may also suggest 1 or more medicines, such as:

• Antihistamines. These ease itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. They can be used on their own or along with steroid nasal sprays. You can buy many antihistamines in stores. Others are prescribed. Certain antihistamines can make your child sleepy. Always talk with your child's health care provider or allergist before giving over-the-counter medicine.
• Steroid nasal sprays. These help reduce swelling. They also ease itching and sneezing. They aren't the same as the decongestant nasal sprays you buy in the store. But most steroid nasal sprays are now available over-the-counter. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure which type of nasal spray to get. Steroid nasal sprays are often used each day to prevent symptoms.
• Other medicines. Health care providers sometimes give other medicines, such as leukotriene inhibitors, cromolyn sodium, or allergy eye drops.
• Allergy immunotherapy. Allergy shots are 1 type of allergy immunotherapy. They have tiny amounts of the substances your child is allergic to, such as pollen or dust mites. The shots may make your child less sensitive to these allergens. The shots are given in your child's provider's office. They won't work unless your child gets them regularly, often for years. Another type of immunotherapy is called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). It's given under the tongue in the form of tablets or drops. It can be done at home. Ask your child's provider or allergist if SLIT or allergy shots is the best treatment for your child's allergy.

Irritants don't cause nasal allergies. But they can make symptoms worse. Common irritants are:

• Cigarette smoke.
• Perfume.
• Aerosol sprays.
• Smoke from wood stoves or fireplaces.
• Car exhaust.
• Pets.

Contact your child's health care provider if:

• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child wheezes.
• Your child has frequent headaches.
• Your child has a fever and greenish or yellowish drainage from the nose.
• Your child has allergy symptoms that get worse.