Managing Allergic Rhinitis in Infants and Toddlers: Treatment Options and Care

Q: Managing Allergic Rhinitis in Infants and Toddlers: Treatment Options and Care

Hello： Allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact quality of life, especially since both of your sons have this condition; I can understand your anxious feelings. <br>If it is a simple case of allergic rhinitis, doctors typically prescribe antihistamin

Allergic rhinitis in infants and young children?

Hello, Doctor! I have two sons, one just turned one year old and the other just turned four.
Both of them have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis.
They experience nasal congestion at night, and the younger one especially has trouble sleeping, tossing and turning, which affects the adults' rest as well.
I have consulted both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine for both children, and they have all confirmed the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
Since everyone says that Traditional Chinese Medicine requires long-term treatment and is less harmful to the kidneys and less likely to cause a cold and weak constitution, the elders in our family have suggested giving both brothers Chinese herbal medicine.

The older brother has been taking Chinese medicine for a month, but he still has a lot of nasal discharge both day and night, breathes through his mouth while sleeping, and coughs forcefully.
The younger brother's condition is similar to his brother's; he has just started Western medication treatment (because when he was taking Chinese medicine, he had multiple bowel movements a day, and I was hesitant to continue giving him Chinese medicine at such a young age), but there has been no improvement.
Strangely, he does not snore or have repeated episodes during daytime naps, but at night, he either coughs or has nasal congestion, which makes us very anxious.
I am worried that their symptoms might become severe enough to lead to asthma (their grandmother has asthma).

How long do they need to take medication for this condition to improve? Is it better to take Chinese medicine or Western medicine? Are the Western medications steroids or antibiotics? How should we care for them at home? Where can I find relevant nursing information (the outpatient doctors do not provide much information)? Would using dust mite-proof bed covers and pillowcases effectively improve their condition? Can allergic rhinitis be completely cured? Is it true that they will outgrow it as they get older?
Thank you for your help! A worried mother.
March 12, 2008.

Kai Ma, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/03/12

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology

Hello: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact quality of life, especially since both of your sons have this condition; I can understand your anxious feelings.
If it is a simple case of allergic rhinitis, doctors typically prescribe antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroid sprays.
However, if there are other complications, such as sinusitis, antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed.
I recommend that you first test your children for allergens, as this can help minimize their exposure to triggers and reduce the occurrence of allergies.
If the allergens are dust mites, it is advisable to change bed linens frequently (at least once a week) and wash them in water above 65 degrees Celsius.
Allergic rhinitis requires careful treatment and management to prevent complications or impacts on daily life; if symptoms can be minimized, a cure may not be far off.
Best wishes.
Hu Ksin

Reply Date: 2008/03/12

More Info

Managing allergic rhinitis in infants and toddlers can be a challenging experience for both parents and children. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. The symptoms can include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and in some cases, coughing, especially at night.
Given your situation with your two sons, it’s important to understand that allergic rhinitis is a common condition in young children, and while it can be distressing, there are various treatment options available.

Treatment Options
1. Allergen Avoidance: The first step in managing allergic rhinitis is to identify and avoid triggers. This may include using dust mite-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, and using air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens. Regular cleaning to minimize dust accumulation is also beneficial.

2. Medications:
- Antihistamines: These are often the first line of treatment for allergic rhinitis. They help relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. For infants and toddlers, options like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can be used, but always consult with a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.

- Nasal Corticosteroids: These are effective for reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex) are examples that can be used in children over two years old. They may take a few days to show full effect but can significantly improve symptoms.

- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Montelukast (Singulair) can also be prescribed for young children and may help with both allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.

- Saline Nasal Sprays: These can help moisten nasal passages and clear out mucus, providing some relief from congestion.

3. Immunotherapy: For children with persistent symptoms that do not respond well to medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be considered. This treatment involves gradually exposing the child to increasing amounts of the allergen to build tolerance. However, this is typically reserved for older children and adults.

Home Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Sleep Environment: Using dust mite-proof bedding and keeping the bedroom clean and free of allergens can help improve sleep quality. Consider using a dehumidifier if humidity levels are high, as mold can thrive in damp environments.

- Humidity Control: Maintaining a comfortable humidity level in the home can help reduce nasal congestion. A humidifier can be beneficial, especially in dry climates or during winter months.

- Diet and Hydration: Ensure your children are well-hydrated, as this can help thin mucus. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also support their immune system.

Duration of Treatment
The duration of treatment for allergic rhinitis can vary. Some children may experience improvement as they grow older, as their immune systems mature. However, others may continue to have symptoms into adolescence or adulthood. It is essential to have regular follow-ups with your pediatrician or an allergist to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as necessary.

Conclusion
In summary, managing allergic rhinitis in young children involves a combination of allergen avoidance, appropriate medication, and lifestyle adjustments. While it can be frustrating, many children do improve with time. It’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to find the best treatment plan for your sons. If you have concerns about the medications or their effectiveness, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for further guidance. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many resources are available to help you navigate your children’s allergies effectively.

Similar Q&A

Managing Allergic Rhinitis in Young Children: Tips for Parents

My child is one year and one month old, and the doctor diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis. Whenever he frequently moves between air-conditioned rooms and normal temperature environments, his nose runs non-stop. Even after seeing the doctor and taking medication, his nasal sympt...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Hello Ms. Cat: You can try using oral medication along with a topical spray for your child's issue.

Managing Sleep Breathing Issues in Allergic Children: Effective Solutions

Hello Doctor: My child is currently 4 years old and has a history of allergic conditions. He/she has loud and noisy breathing during sleep and often wakes up crying at night due to nasal congestion. He/she also has a habit of sneezing, having a runny nose, and rubbing his/her eye...

Dr. Lin Sixie reply Rare Disease
Your child may be suffering from allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis can be broadly classified into two types: seasonal allergic rhinitis, which occurs during the flowering season of plants, and perennial allergic rhinitis, which is associated with year-round allergens such as d...

Managing Allergies in Toddlers: Eye Rubbing and Sneezing Concerns

Hello doctor, my son is under 2 years old and has been frequently rubbing his eyes and nose for the past six months. Occasionally, he also sneezes repeatedly. His father has a history of allergic rhinitis, while his mother does not. I would like to know how to observe and manage ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
The symptoms have persisted for six months, indicating a long-term condition. Given the family history of allergic rhinitis in first-degree relatives, the likelihood of allergic rhinitis is very high (it is common for allergic eye and nasal symptoms to coexist). Generally, the fi...

Managing Nasal Allergies in Infants: Tips for Parents

Dr. He: Hello, my child is almost 8 months old. During the winter, with temperature changes, he tends to sneeze, and in severe cases, he has a runny nose and nasal congestion. I would like to ask Dr. He the following questions: 1. Besides home cleaning to remove dust and allergen...

Dr. He Ciyuan reply Pediatrics
1. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and ensure adequate rest to support immune function. It is recommended to undergo blood tests to identify allergens to avoid them. Additionally, pay attention to weather changes, especially in cold and w...