CONDITIONS
Allergic Rhinitis
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) occurs when the immune system has an adverse reaction to environmental irritants. Allergic rhinitis symptoms can be seasonal, appearing in the spring, summer or winter or happen year-round due to allergens such as pollen from trees and mould spores.
What are the causes?
The immune system releases an antibody, immunoglobulin E, to destroy the threat, which is an irritant. A chemical, histamine, is also released, which stimulates symptoms of an allergic reaction.
How do children get it?
Hay fever usually occurs as a result of seasonal changes. During spring or summer, allergens can trigger a runny or stuffy nose.
The triggers are:
- Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
- Mould spores, like fungi that are present in warm weather
What are the symptoms?
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Poor quality of sleep due to nasal blockage
- Lethargy
What does a diagnosis entail?
Blood tests determine the level of immunoglobulin E antibodies in your child’s body Phadiotop/Rast Inhalant screen can determine what your child is allergic to. A skin prick test is an alternative way to identify triggers setting off an allergic reaction. During a prick test, minute amounts of a substance are introduced to the skin's surface and the reaction elicited is noted.
How do you treat allergic rhinitis?
You can only manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but it cannot be cured.
Medication to ease symptoms of allergic rhinitis includes:
- Nasal sprays
- Oral antihistamine
These medications treat watery eyes and relieve a blocked nose.
What is the result?
Although there’s no cure for allergic rhinitis, symptoms can be managed beforehand, before the season in which pollen spreads to prevent a high pollen count. A three yearlong treatment is proven to be effective in desensitising your child to pollen.
What does prevention for allergic rhinitis entail?
Allergen avoidance if possible. Keep windows closed and ventilate the home during the high pollen season. Washing your child’s hands regularly, especially after stroking pets, prevents pollen from spreading into the house
Takeaway
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever arises from the immune system’s unfavourable response to environmental irritants such as pollen and mould spores. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a stuffy nose, wheezing and fatigue. Managing symptoms of allergic rhinitis is the only way to prevent the condition from worsening. Medication for hay fever is antihistamine drops and nasal sprays.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Tiredness
Chest pain (common in patients who have asthma)
Wheezing
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT DELAY CARE
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What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.