Hay Fever

The common name for allergic rhinitis, this is the most common respiratory allergy in children, caused by the immune system’s response to an airborne allergen. Those with a family history of allergies or personal history of other allergies are more likely to develop hay fever.

Cause
Hay fever is caused by a wide variety of allergens, but in babies and young children, mold, animal dander, and dust are more likely the allergens than pollen.

Symptoms
Most victims suffer only moderate discomfort. Allergic rhinitis should be suspected if the following symptoms last longer than the typical cold:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• watery, itchy eyes
• stuffy head
• clogged sinuses
• headache
• ticklish or sore throat from postnasal drip
• cough

Consult a Doctor
A doctor should be consulted if the child:

• has trouble breathing
• is wheezing severely
• has green or yellow nasal discharge
• is miserable due to the symptoms
• has symptoms that become much worse

Diagnosis
A child with severe allergies should see an allergist to determine the actual substances that cause the allergic reactions. Skin or blood tests may be recommended to determine the specific allergen.

Treatment
An antihistamine can help relieve symptoms by blocking the allergic reaction, and a brief course of decongestants can help open up the nasal passages. The child should gently blow mucus from the nose but should not blow hard because that could lead to an ear infection or bloody nose. The child may need more rest when suffering from an allergy. In haled steroids and antihistamine eye drops can help ease stuffy noses and itchy eyes.

The home (especially the child’s bedroom) should be kept as clean as possible. The child’s nose and mouth should be covered with a mask while doing things that may trigger the allergic reaction. Children with an animal-dander allergy should not have pets in the bedroom; otherwise, the pet should be kept clean and well groomed. Families of children with a mold allergy should use an air conditioner with an electrostatic filter during the summer. Children with a pollen allergy should be kept indoors as much as possible during pollen season, especially on dry, windy days.

Prevention
Avoiding the known allergens is the best course of action. A series of injections to help the child become less sensitive to the allergen may help.