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 usually caused by things in the environment that are breathed in. Depending on what your 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. Other symptoms include sneezing, red and itchy eyes, and dark circles (“allergic shiners”) under the eyes. Your child may be irritable and tired. Severe allergies may also affect your child's breathing and set off 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 health care 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. Here 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 let 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 right away.
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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 provider as advised. If your child was referred to an allergy specialist, make this appointment right away. Ask your child's provider if allergy testing or allergy immunotherapy (such as allergy shots) are right for your child.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's provider right away if:
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Your child is coughing.
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Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by the provider.
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Your child has hives (raised red bumps).
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Your child has symptoms that are new, continue, or get worse.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if:
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Your child has trouble breathing.
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Your child wheezes or is short of breath.
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There is swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
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Your child is unable to talk.
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Your child is lightheaded, fainting, or dizzy.
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Your child's skin or lips look blue, purple, or gray.
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Your child has a seizure.
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Your child has stomach pain, upset stomach (nausea), vomiting, or diarrhea.