Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction in the nose as a result of exposure to any air-borne or food agent that causes an immune reaction. Most common allergens causing allergic rhinitis are the pollens, trees and weeds. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be
Seasonal can when symptoms appear at a particular time of the year for few days or months. OR
Persistent, when symptoms perisist throughout the year.

The 4 main symptoms of allergic rhinitis are :

• runny nose,
• itchy nose,
• sneezing, especially in the morning, and
• blocked nose or stuffy nose

These symptoms can be very troublesome for a child and even adults. Some of the other symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• Itching of eyes, mouth, throat
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Ear pain
• Watery, red, swollen eyes
• Trouble smelling
• Repeated sore throat

What can happen if these symptoms are not controlled?

Allergic rhinitis can be extremely detrimental for a child’s development and lead to several complications.

• Decreased quality of sleep: Nasal symptoms are worse when lying down and thus the sleep quality is poor. Children often having snoring and night awakenings.
• Poor school performance: Fatigue and headaches can affect a child’s ability to function at school. Repeated sore throats lead to increased absent days from school.
• Poor teeth and oral deformities: long-term mouth breathing can lead to poor dentition and dry mouth.

These problems in children can be avoided by diagnosing AR at the right time.

How do we diagnose allergic rhinitis?

Any child with the above-mentioned symptoms must be evaluated for allergic rhinitis. Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment by a pulmonologist and allergy specialist and by performing a skin prick test. A positive skin prick test confirms that an allergic reaction is the cause of the child’s symptoms. This test can be performed by an allergy specialist and a pulmonologist in their clinics.
You can read about the SKIN PRICK TEST here.

How is allergic rhinitis treated?

Avoiding exposure to triggers or allergens is most successful in controlling allergic rhinitis. However, allergens like pollens and trees can be difficult to avoid.
The following medications may be advised by the doctor, depending on the symptom severity and age of the child.

• Antihistamines, also called anti-allergy medicines can be given orally
• Decongestant, available in the form of nasal drops can immediately relieve of blocked nose
• Nasal steroid sprays are the main medications that help control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis for a long time. They are considered safe for children and adults.
• Nasal Wash with saline water, jal niti in yoga, helps in cleansing the nasal passages of mucus.
• Yoga, Pranayama and Jala neti are known to be beneficial in allergic rhinitis.

Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy is sometimes recommended if the pollen cannot be avoided and the symptoms are hard to control with regular medications. This includes regular injection of the pollen you are allergic to. Each dose is slightly larger than the dose before it, until you reach the dose that helps control your symptoms. These pollens can be given as a medicine under the tongue also. Immunotherpay helps the body to adjust to the pollen that is causing the reaction.
For more information on Immunotherapy, click here.