The Best Treatments for Chronic Allergic Rhinitis in Children
Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation in the nasal cavities, and most children experiencing this condition are suffering from allergic reactions to something in their environment. Treating the symptoms of rhinitis, such as congestion and constant sneezing, is tricky in young patients because they can't always handle antihistamines and other medications commonly prescribed to adults. Talk to your doctor about using one of these treatments to help your child relieve the discomfort of a stuffy, itchy, runny nose.
Immunotherapy
The best and most cutting edge treatment for children with nasal reactions to allergens is immunotherapy. Small amounts of the trigger, such as grass pollen or animal dander, are used for exposure therapy to reduce the body's reaction. The first forms of this therapy relied on injections that kids are not so happy to accept, but now there are sublingual drops that absorb through the bottom of the tongue for tear-free treatment.
Second Generation Antihistamines
The first round of antihistamines that were widely prescribed by doctors are known for causing a wide range of serious side effects, especially in children. You don't want to deal with a toddler who is continually too drowsy to enjoy playtime just because of the medication they're taking for rhinitis. There's a second generation of medications available without the side effects, and they've already been tested thoroughly in young children and proven safe for them.
Trigger Avoidance
Depending on what is triggering your child's rhinitis symptoms, minimizing exposure to the trigger is often the easiest and best treatment because there's no need to convince a young child to swallow a pill or let you spray liquids into their nose. Of course, this all depends on what's causing the allergic reaction. It's relatively easy to deal with a dust mite allergy by investing in new bedding and different types of mattresses, while it can be nearly impossible to keep your child from running into pollen that is floating loose in the air. You'll need a full allergy test to determine what the exact triggers are for your child first before you can start adjusting their environment.
Saline and Steroid Sprays
Nasal sprays, either plain saline or with anti-inflammatory steroids mixed in, are a quick way to treat the most irritating symptoms of rhinitis in children. However, it can be difficult or even impossible to get a young child to agree to let you spray the fluids into their nasal passages. Be prepared to try other treatments if your doctor prescribes a nasal spray as the first option.
For more information about rhinitis and its treatments, check out http://www.nwasthma.com.
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