Overview
Rhinitis is a reaction that can occur in the nose, eyes, and throat. Generally, this is caused when the person or child inhales an allergen through the mouth, nose or if the allergen comes in contact with the eyes. These allergens increase the release of histamine inside the body. As a result, there is a set of allergic reactions like itching, sneezing, swelling, and the building of fluids inside the fragile linings of the nose and eyelids. However, this is unusual, but children under the age of 2 years can get sensitized to the available indoor allergens (a substance that can cause allergy). Some of the most common indoor allergens are mites and pet danders. Sensitization to the outdoor allergens is more commonly seen in children older than five years.
So, What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is the reaction that can occur in the eyes, throat and nose. It is caused by an allergy-causing agent known as allergens. Normally these allergens are harmless, but when children or people have an allergy to a particular allergen, the body thinks that this is a foreign particle and attacks them to kill them. For this body releases histamine. This histamine causes several reactions like itching and swelling of the affected part.
Causes Of Allergic Rhinitis
Generally, allergic rhinitis occurs when the child inhales something they are allergic to. It starts a set of chain reactions in the local part, particularly the nasal passage (nostrils). Some of the most common reasons for allergic rhinitis are:-
- Pollens. Either they are from trees, grass or weeds.
- Dust particles.
- Waste of cockroaches.
- Animal dander (a material that is shed from the body of humans and animals containing furs or hair)
- House dust mites.
- Mould (fungi).
What Are The Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis?
Each child may experience differentsymptoms. However, the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are listed below.
- Clear drainage from the nose
- Sneezing.
- You may observe the presence of a bump at the back of your neck.
- Itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
- Nosebleeds
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Snoring
If the problem persists for longer than one year, the children might also experience some of the following symptoms.
- Breathing through the mouth makes it difficult to breathe through the nose due to rhinitis.
- Ear infections that come back again after treatment.
- There will be a markedly decrease in the school performance of the child.
What Are At The Risk Of Having Allergic Rhinitis?
Children who are already suffering from other allergic diseases like asthma, food allergy, and eczema are more likely to get affected by allergic rhinitis. For example, among the children having asthma, about 8 out of every ten children also have allergic rhinitis. In addition, children whose parents have a history of allergic rhinitis are also at a higher risk of having allergic rhinitis.
How Allergic Rhinitis Is Diagnosed?
In most cases, allergic rhinitis in children is diagnosed by reviewing the complete medical history and physical exam of the children. During examining the child, the doctor may look for these symptoms:-
- Presence of dark circles under the eyes
- Presence of some swollen tissues inside the nostrils
- Presence of creases under the eyes
What Are The Treatments Available For Allergic Rhinitis?
The treatment of allergic rhinitis in children is done based on some factors like:-
- The age of the child.
- Degree of sickness the child is having
- Your opinion also matters in the selection of the treatment procedure.
- How long it will take the allergic rhinitis to go away.
- Overall medical history of the child
- The tolerance of the body of the child indicates how efficiently does the body can tolerate the medicines and therapies of the treatment.
Depending upon the above factors, the doctor will select the best suitable procedure for your child.
- Nasal sprays containing an antihistamine (anti-allergic)
- Nasal decongestants.
- Allergy shots.
- Medicines are used for relieving symptoms of asthma.
How To Prevent Yourself From Allergic Rhinitis?
- Ensure that your child does not go into the areas where heavy dust, pollen trees, and mites mould.
- Tell your child to stay away from the pets.
- Control the environment around your child by practicing some steps like using air conditioners during pollen seasons.
When To Consult A Doctor?
Do not forget to immediately call the doctor if the symptoms of your child get worsen with time. Also, if there is an occurrence of any new signs of allergic rhinitis, contact your doctor with immediate effect.
