Hay Fever, or Allergic Rhinitis, is a group of symptoms manifesting in your child's nose and eyes due to the presence of small particles such as dust, dander, mold or plant pollen. Children may show symptoms of Hay Fever from a very early age. Such an allergic reaction can cause other illnesses such as sinusitis, ear infections, eczema, and asthma.
When your child breathes in small particles such as dust, plant pollen, or dander, the immune system deems them as a threat. In response, the immune system starts attacking the particles causing various symptoms, mainly sneezing and having a runny nose.
As the body is exposed to such allergens more frequently, the symptoms become less severe.
Your pediatrician can determine whether the symptoms your child is exhibiting are indeed as a result of Allergic Rhinitis. Consult with your pediatrician for a physical exam where he/she will conduct a routine checkup and ask for relevant allergy tests such as skin testing, special blood tests, or a complete blood count (CBC).
While having Allergic Rhinitis is not curable, the best treatment is to avoid elements that cause such allergic reactions.
The doctor may prescribe various medications that help remove excess mucus in the nose and reduce eye, ear, and throat itchiness. Those medications fall under three main categories, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants.
It is best that you do not give your child any over-the-counter allergy medications before consulting with your pediatrician or doctor.
To reduce the symptoms of your child's Allergic Rhinitis, make sure you:
Your child's Allergic Rhinitis can get very uncomfortable. While he/she will be able to attend school without any disturbances, it might be hard to concentrate if the symptoms are severe. Make sure you consult with your doctor if your child voices symptoms such as fatigue, lack of concentration and difficulties breathing.
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