What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by a runny nose, congestion and sneezing that results from allergies to substances in the environment. Symptoms tend to come in waves and vary in severity and frequency.
‘Seasonal’ allergies cause symptoms at certain times of the year whereas ‘perennial’ allergies occur year round and likely reflect an allergy to something indoors such as mold or dust mites.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include:
Runny nose and congestion
Sneezing
Cough
Postnasal drip
Irritability
Itchy eyes and mouth
Fatigue
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed by history and physical examination.
Physical signs consistent with allergic rhinitis include:
Allergic shiners: dark circles under the eyes
Dennie-Morgan lines: prominent lines and folds on the lower eyelids
Allergic salute: a crease across the nose from rubbing
Allergic facies: mouth breathing because of congestion
Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes:
Avoidance of allergens and allergy testing if necessary
Oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra
Intranasal steroids i.e. nasal spray such as Flonase
Nasal antihistamine spray such as Azelastine
Eye antihistamines such as Pataday if associated with itchy eyes
See a doctor in person if…
If symptoms persist or worsen
If your child consistently snores at night
If you think your child needs to be allergy tested
If you’re worried something else is going on