Children's Allergies

About 20% of children suffer from common allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis. This disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing and itchy, watery eyes. It affects some children only in the summer, when they are exposed to outdoor allergens like grasses and pollen, but can greatly impact a child?s quality of life.

Allergic rhinitis is more likely to occur in children with a strong family history of allergies, and children with symptoms should be tested by an allergy specialist to determine if they have the disease and what substances to avoid. For example, exposure to environmental allergens such as animal dander, tobacco smoke, dust mites, air pollution contribute to both seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, so avoiding these triggers is the best way to manage the disease.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Primary

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Itchy nose, palate, throat

Secondary

• Mouth breathing
• Post nasal drainage
• Puffy, darkened eyelids
• Eczema
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased sense of taste or smell

AVOIDING ALLERGENS

Pollen:

• Monitor weather reports on pollen counts and minimize time outdoors when counts are highest, usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Do not dry clothing outdoors
• Keep car windows closed when driving
• Keep house windows closed, especially at night
• Consider using air conditioners and air filters

Animal dander:

• Remove pets from the home if possible!
• Wash pets once a week
• Keep pets out of the bedroom

Dust Mites:

• Cover mattress and pillows in plastic or vinyl
• Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week
• Remove stuffed animals, books, toys to minimize clutter
• Remove carpeting in bedroom
• Dust using a damp cloth at least once a week
• Replace curtains with blinds and clean frequently
• Vacuum furniture and carpets at least once a week
• Replace feather pillows and wool blankets with synthetic ones
• Place stuffed toys in clothes dryer for one-half hour every 1-2 weeks
• Place stuffed toys in freezer overnight every 1-2 weeks

Mold:

• Reduce humidity by using dehumidifiers or air conditioners
• Improve ventilation in damp areas of the house
• Keep basement and bathrooms dry and disinfected
• Remove dead leaves from around the property

In more severe cases of allergic rhinitis, your doctor may recommend treatment with prescription antihistamines or corticosteroids, which are safe and effective for most children. There is also a wide variety of non-prescription medicines available to help control common allergy symptoms, and your pharmacist can help you select the best product for your child.

If you suspect your child has allergies, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.