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Allergic rhinitis refers to the symptoms of nasal congestion, itchy or runny nose, post-nasal drip, itchy eyes and/or frequent sneezing that occur after contact with an allergen in the environment. These symptoms are caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose. Allergic rhinitis can also cause difficulties with asthma, sinus or ear problems, and trouble sleeping.
The triggers for allergic rhinitis are allergens like molds, pollen, cockroaches, dust mites, and animals. These substances are usually harmless, but can cause allergic reactions in certain people.
Our experts provide thorough evaluation and comprehensive testing for allergic rhinitis, including education on avoiding common allergens and extensive treatment options.
Learn more about the Allergic Rhinitis Program at Lurie Children's.
The triggers for allergic rhinitis are allergens like molds, pollen, cockroaches, dust mites, and animals. If your child’s triggers are pollen and molds, you may notice that their symptoms are worse during certain seasons. We call that seasonal allergic rhinitis (or hay fever).
If your child’s symptoms occur all year, that is referred to as perennial allergic rhinitis. Year-round allergies are typically caused by indoor allergens such as pets, some molds, dust mites and cockroach. Unfortunately, your child can have both seasonal and perennial allergies.
We will take a detailed allergic history including a description of your child’s symptoms, their triggers, and the environment in which your child lives. We perform a physical exam and most likely test for allergies using skin prick testing. The skin prick testing will help us determine what your child is allergic to and that will help guide us to make a plan for avoidance of that allergen. A plan for treatment of your child’s symptoms will be discussed.
The most important step to manage allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergens that cause your child’s symptoms. For example, if your child is allergic to tree pollen, it is important to take steps to avoid exposure to the pollen. Tree pollen is highest during the spring so you would be advised to limit outdoor activities during the time when the pollen count is highest and to sleep with windows closed in the bedroom, if possible. Our allergists and nurses take their time to help you learn how to successfully avoid your allergens. It can be very difficult to avoid your child's allergens. In the case that it is not possible to fully avoid the allergen or your child still has symptoms while avoiding the allergen, there are medications that can help to control their symptoms.
One medicine that helps to decrease allergic rhinitis symptoms is a nasal steroid spray. Other medications that can decrease your child’s symptoms are antihistamines or anti-leukotrienes. They can decrease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in some children. If your child’s allergy symptoms are difficult to control, your allergist may recommend allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots). Immunotherapy can make your child less sensitive to their allergens. It may involve a series of injections or, in a few cases, medication that is given under the tongue (sublingual immunotherapy). Immunotherapy is especially helpful in cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis or in children with asthma when their asthma is made worse by certain pollens, dust mites, or mold.
Once you have determined what your child's allergic rhinitis triggers are, there are steps you can take to minimize your child's exposure to particular triggers.
Outdoor Pollens & Molds
Indoor Molds
House Dust Mites
Cockroach Allergen
Animal Dander
Dander refers to flakes in the skin, hair or feathers of all warm-blooded animals including dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. There is no such thing as an allergen-free dog. The length of a pet's hair does not affect dander production. The allergen is in the saliva, urine, and dander of all pets.
Smoke
Strong Odors & Sprays
Weather
Allergy immunotherapy (also called allergy shots) is given in two phases. In the build-up phase, tiny amounts of the allergen are injected under the skin of the upper arm. The amount of allergen increases slightly over time. Injections are given once or twice a week until the target dose is reached. When the target dose is reached, the second phase begins. The second phase is called the maintenance phase. During the maintenance phase, your child will likely get an injection once a month for 3-5 years.
Your doctor will discuss whether or not allergy shots are an option for your child. They will also discuss the risks and benefits before starting immunotherapy.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is another way to treat allergic rhinitis. Currently, it is only used with certain allergens and only in some children. Tablets with increasing doses of your child’s allergens are given daily under your child’s tongue. Your allergist will work with you to understand if this type of allergen immunotherapy is right for your child.