Allergic rhinitis (rie-NIE-tis) is a condition commonly known as hay fever. It affects millions of people in the United States. There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal (occurs during a season) and perennial (occurs year around).
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the most common type. It usually occurs in the spring, summer, and fall when the child is around mold, grass, trees and weeds. The child's symptoms usually improve when the weather turns cold, or after the first frost.
Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs all during the year. Often the child's symptoms are caused by breathing things found indoors, such as dust, feathers, mold or animal dander.
If your child has allergic rhinitis, you will notice some or all of these symptoms:
Your child’s doctor may prescribe medicines which may include an antihistamine, decongestant and a nose spray (Picture 2). It is very important that your child takes this medicine exactly as ordered.
If your child’s symptoms do not improve, his doctor may order tests to see if he is allergic to certain things.
Call the doctor if:
If you have any questions, please call the Children's Hospital Allergy Clinic at (614) 722-5500.
Allergic Rhinitis (PDF)
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