Childhood Nasal Allergies Symptoms and Treatment

Childhood Nasal Allergies - Chicago Pediatric Allergist

Allergic rhinitis is the term used to describe nasal symptoms caused by environmental allergies.  Allergic rhinitis has also been referred to as “hay-fever.” Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Sneezing
• Runny Nose
• Nasal Obstruction (stuffiness or nasal congestion)
• Itching of the eyes, nose, and roof of the mouth

Other symptoms of childhood nasal allergies include post-nasal drainage, coughing, irritability and fatigue.  

The intense nasal itching caused by childhood allergies often results in a child rubbing his/her nose (causing a line across the nose).  This is called the “allergic salute.”  Darkening of the eyes can also occur with more severe allergies.  These are called “allergic shiners.”

Childhood nasal allergies treatment - frequency of symptoms

• 10% of children will have only seasonal allergy symptoms
• 30% of children have perennial (year round) symptoms and seasonal symptoms
• 60% of children have only perennial (year round) symptoms

Examples of seasonal allergens include:

• Tree pollen (tree pollen season begins in March/April, and continues into May).
• Grass pollen (grass pollen season begins in May/June and continues into July).
• Ragweed pollen (ragweed pollen season begins  in mid-August and continues into September)
• Mold (mold spores are released during the late spring and summer).  

Examples of perennial allergens include:

• Pets (furry pets such as cats and dogs)
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Some types of mold spores

Nasal allergies and asthma:

There is a strong association between allergic rhinitis and asthma.  Approximately 1/3 of children with allergic rhinitis will also have asthma.  Most patients with asthma will also have nasal allergies.  

Other conditions:

Allergic rhinitis has also been associated with recurrent ear infections, difficulty with sense of smell, and obstructive sleep apnea.  

Childhood nasal allergies treatment - Chicago pediatric allergist

Clarity Allergy Center provides comprehensive allergy testing, diagnosis and treatment in the Chicago-land area, including childhood nasal allergies and allergic rhinitis. Dr. Rotskoff has a passion to help patients who have continued to suffer despite persistent allergy symptoms.