Definition

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

• Clear nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffles, coughing and/or eye/nasal itching.
• It typically occurs in children school age or older.
• It often lasts weeks to months.
• It often has a seasonal occurrence.

Causes
Allergic Rhinitis is an allergic reaction of the nose/eyes to air born substances. They can be seasonal such as tree and grass pollen (Spring), ragweed pollen (Fall), or year round such as dog, cat and dust mite. The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited but the specific allergy is not inherited.

Treatment

Your child's allergies only need treatment if your child is bothered by his/her symptoms or if he/she is suffering complications of allergies such as sinusitis, ear infections, or lack of sleep.

The first line of treatment of allergies is antihistamines. Benadryl, Tavist and Chlor-Trimetron are available over the counter and are good for short term control of episodic allergies. They can also be used on a daily basis for more chronic allergies. They all can cause sleepiness. There are prescription antihistamines that do not cause sleepiness. These are often a better choice for chronic allergies, especially if one has to go to school or drive a car.

The second line of treatment for allergies is nasal steroids or sodium cromolyn. Both of the agents work by preventing the allergic reaction. Because they prevent allergic reaction they must be used every day, not just with symptoms. They typically become effective after 3 to 10 days so don't expect immediate results. They can be used with antihistamines. Please do not use over the counter nasal sprays unless instructed to by your health care professional.

The last line of treatment for allergies is allergy shots. They should be done only after skin testing by a board certified allergist. Blood tests, such as RAST tests, are a sub-optimal way to diagnose allergies. Shots often can help control symptoms but rarely cure allergies. They take months to years to be effective. Patients must often continue their use of antihistamines and nasal inhalers.

Prevention
Prevention of allergies is easier said than done. You simply try to avoid the suspected allergen.

Pollen
Avoid going out side during high pollen count.
Run the air conditioner during allergy season.
Wash hands, face and hair after being outside.

Animal danger
Avoid pets with hair or feathers. There is no such animal as a nonallergenic dog or cat. The allergens of a cat or dog is usually proteins on the skin not the hair. So people can be allergic to short hair animals

If you own a pet and can not bear to part with it then keep the child's room completely animal free. Also any thing going into the child's room should be free of animal contact. This would include laundry, toys, coats, etc.

Vacuum often without the child in the room and make sure the child does not lay or sit in animal contaminated areas.
Don't forget that pets are everywhere. So, when visiting friends and family these same general principles apply. Don't forget your allergy medicine. You may also want to take an antihistamine before the visit.

Dust Mites

• Cover mattresses with dust mite proof covers.
• Remove all stuffed animal from the child's living area.
• Wash bedding regularly. It may also be helpful to run pillows through a dryer at a low setting to remove the moisture that the dust mites need to live.
• Vacuum regularly without the child in the room.

Eye allergies

These can be treated with over the counter antihistamine eye drops such as Naphcon A or Vasocon A. Also, washing the child's face then having him/her lay with eyes shut and a cold compress across the eyes will help relieve symptoms.

Please call our office during regular office hour if you think your child's allergies are affecting your child's quality of life to the point where you believe more chronic medications may be needed to help symptoms.