Allergic Rhinitis (Child)
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the nose, and often the eyes. It’s often known as nasal allergies. Nasal allergies are often due to things in the environment that are breathed in. Depending on what the child is sensitive to, nasal allergies may occur only during certain seasons, or they may occur year round. Common indoor allergens include house dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander. Outdoor allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Symptoms include a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose. They also include sneezing, red and itchy eyes, and dark circles (“allergic shiners”) under the eyes. The child may be irritable and tired. Severe allergies may also affect the child's breathing and trigger a condition called asthma.
Tests can be done to see what allergens are affecting your child. Your child may be referred to an allergy specialist for testing and evaluation.
Home care
The healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to help relieve allergy symptoms. These include oral medicines, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Follow instructions when giving these medicines to your child. Never share prescription medicines with others.
Ask the provider for advice on how to stay away from substances that your child is allergic to. Below are a few tips for each type of allergen.
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Pet dander:
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Don't t have pets with fur and feathers.
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If you have a pet, keep it out of your child’s bedroom and off upholstered furniture.
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Don't have your child pet, hug, or kiss the animal. If your child does touch the animal, wash their hands right away.
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Pollen:
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Change your child’s clothes and wash their hair after outdoor play.
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Keep windows closed when pollen counts are high. Use air conditioning instead, if possible.
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House dust mites:
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Wash bedding every week in hot water and detergent or dry on a hot setting.
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Cover the mattress, box spring, and pillows with allergy covers.
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If possible, have your child sleep in a room with no carpet, curtains, or upholstered furniture.
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Cockroaches:
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Store food in sealed containers.
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Remove garbage from the home promptly.
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Fix water leaks.
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Block all areas where cockroaches enter the house. Or have a professional exterminator remove the cockroaches.
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Mold:
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Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Keep the dehumidifier and air conditioner clean and free of mold.
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Clean moldy areas with bleach and water. Don't mix bleach with other cleaners.
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In general:
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Vacuum once or twice a week. If possible, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
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Don't smoke near your child. And don't let other people smoke around them. Never let people smoke in your home or car. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke in public places. Cigarette smoke is an irritant that can make symptoms worse.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider, or as advised. If your child was referred to an allergy specialist, make this appointment promptly. Ask your child's provider if allergy testing or allergy immunotherapy (such as allergy shots) are right for your child.
When to call the healthcare provider
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if these occur:
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Coughing
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by the provider
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Hives (raised red bumps)
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Symptoms that are new, continue, or get worse
Call 911
Call 911 right away if your child has:
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Trouble breathing
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Wheezing or shortness of breath
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Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
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Inability to talk
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Lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness
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Skin or lips that look blue, purple, or gray
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Seizure
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Stomach pain, upset stomach (nausea), vomiting, or diarrhea