HAY FEVER IN CHILDREN: SYMPTOMS, HOME CARE, PRECAUTIONS AND TREATMENT
Signs and symptoms
The major symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, clear nasal discharge, and itching of the nose. This runny, itchy nose leads to the frequent rubbing of the nose referred to as an “allergic salute.” Membranes inside the nose are pale and white instead of the normal pink.
The eyes may also be affected. Congestion in the sinuses may cause a headache. The ears feel blocked and are sometimes painful. The child may not hear as well as usual if there is congestion in the Eustachian tubes (which connect the nose with the ears). The child may have bluish bags under the eyes, called “allergic shiners.” The child may snore and complain of fatigue (allergic fatigue syndrome). If oral antihistamines quickly relieve the symptoms, this is often a clue that the congestion is due to an allergy rather than to some other illness.
Secondary (additional) bacterial infections are common complications of hay fever. Symptoms of an additional bacterial infection include fever, moderate to severe earache, swollen glands in the neck, or opaque (green, yellow, or milky) nasal discharge.
Home care
Consult your doctor before giving child medications for hay fever. The most common medications for hay fever are oral antihistamines. Decongestants containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine may provide added relief.
Whenever possible, try to avoid exposing the child to substances that seem to cause hay fever reactions. (The dander of a cat or dog allowed in the house only once can remain in the home for four to six weeks.) Keep the windows closed against pollens, and use an air conditioner if possible. Hot air ducts should have filters at room inlets to reduce the amount of dust in the air. Use non-allergenic (non-allergy-causing) pillows and keep the house as dry and free from humidity as possible.
Precautions
• Rubber pillows, which are considered non-allergenic, may breed molds as they age. • Avoid repeated use of decongestant nose drops and nasal sprays. These can cause worse congestion following the initial, brief relief.
Medical treatment
The doctor will confirm the diagnosis by examining the child’s nose and by testing nasal secretions for allergic white blood cells (called eosinophiles). As well as confirming the diagnosis, your doctor can help identify the offending substances by investigating the child’s medical history and, if necessary, conducting allergy skin tests. Your doctor may recommend desensitization shots for severe cases. These shots decrease the child’s sensitivity to the allergy-causing substances.
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