Treating a child's seasonal allergies
Treating allergic rhinitis as soon as symptoms occur can help children do better in school and could prevent long-term complications, such as the development of asthma or earaches, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
Symptoms
More than 35 million Americans have allergic rhinitis, also known as "hay fever." Because the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be mistaken for those of the common cold-frequent sneezing, a runny nose, congestion and watery eyes - it is easy to overlook the seriousness of this condition.
If in addition to these symptoms, however, your child has itching or symptoms lasting more than a few days or a week without a fever, it generally points to allergic rhinitis.
A family history of allergy is the greatest known risk factor for allergic rhinitis.
Importance of early diagnosis
While sometimes viewed as a trivial disease, allergic rhinitis can have a significant impact on a child's life.
In addition to bothersome symptoms, such as sneezing and watery eyes, performance and behavior problems at home and at school can also occur. Some of these behavior and performance problems can include irritability, temper tantrums, decreased ability to concentrate, overactive behavior and decreased academic performance.
Complications can develop from untreated allergic rhinitis
Left untreated, allergic rhinitis can lead to more serious complications that can affect your child's health, such as sinusitis and otitis media, an infection associated with fluid in the middle ear,.
Allergic Asthma
If your child has allergies, they are more likely to develop asthma. More than 70% of people with asthma also suffer from allergies, according to the National Institutes of Health, and research suggests that allergic triggers play a large role in triggering airway inflammation and asthma symptoms.
Allergies and allergic asthma are both allergic diseases caused by exposure to an allergic substance or allergen. Exposure to an allergen triggers an allergic cascade of events that results in a runny nose/itchy eyes (allergy) or bronchial constriction/wheezing (asthma). Asthma symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness, and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.
Read what Tobias Enright, M.D., allergy/immunology specialist with Advanced Healthcare says about diagnosing asthma in children.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis also can develop as a complication of allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis is an infection and inflammation of the nasal sinuses - hollow cavities in the cheekbones around the eyes and behind the nose.
Left undiagnosed or untreated, sinusitis can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or brain and may last for months.
Find out more about sinusitis.
Otitis Media
Earaches are very common in young children and they can be caused by allergic disease. Otitis media is an infection associated with fluid in the middle ear. Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis sometimes precedes otitis media. Otitis media can cause temporary hearing loss.
Seeking treatment
If you suspect your child is suffering from allergies, it is important to seek treatment from your pediatrician or an allergist/immunologist. A simple office visit can confirm a diagnosis and start your child on a management plan to help ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
