Pediatric Allergist Chicago

Child nasal allergies

Allergic rhinitis

a term used to describe nasal symptoms caused by environmental allergies. Allergic rhinitis has also been referred to as “hay-fever.”

Allergic Rhinitis symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny Nose
• Nasal Obstruction (stuffiness or nasal congestion)
• Itching of the eyes, nose, and roof of the mouth

Other symptoms of child nasal allergies include post-nasal drainage, coughing, irritability and fatigue.

The intense nasal itching caused by child allergies often results in a child rubbing his/her nose (causing a line across the nose). This is called the “allergic salute.” Darkening of the eyes can also occur with more severe allergies. These are called “allergic shiners.”

Child nasal allergies frequency of symptoms

• 10% of children will have only seasonal allergy symptoms
• 30% of children have perennial (year round) symptoms and seasonal symptoms
• 60% of children have only perennial (year round) symptoms

Examples of seasonal allergens include:

• Tree pollen (tree pollen season begins in March/April, and continues into May).
• Grass pollen (grass pollen season begins in May/June and continues into July).
• Ragweed pollen (ragweed pollen season begins in mid-August and continues into September)
• Mold (mold spores are released during the late spring and summer).

Examples of perennial allergens include:

• Pets (furry pets such as cats and dogs)
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Some types of mold spores

Nasal allergies and asthma:

There is a strong association between allergic rhinitis and asthma. Approximately 1/3 of children with allergic rhinitis will also have asthma. Most patients with asthma will also have nasal allergies.

Other medical conditions:

Allergic rhinitis has also been associated with recurrent ear infections, difficulty with sense of smell, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Chicago pediatric nasal allergies treatment

Clarity Allergy Center provides comprehensive allergy testing, diagnosis and treatment in the Chicago area, including child nasal allergies and allergic rhinitis. Dr. Rotskoff has a passion to help patients who have continued to suffer despite persistent allergy symptoms.