Allergic rhinitis is also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever or allergies. If your child is sneezing , has clear nasal discharge and swollen nasal membranes, then  he may have seasonal allergies. This condition affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms occur when  you inhale something you are allergic to such as animal dander, dust or pollen. Symptoms can also occur when you eat food you’re allergic to.

When  a child breathes in these allergens, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.  Hay fever and allergies run in families.  If both of your parents have it , you are likely to have it too. This risk is higher if your mother has it.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis ?

This condition usually starts in spring  and continue to fall. Symptoms usually appear when air contain high levels of pollen from ragweed, grass, weeds , seeds and mold spores.

Some of the symptoms include :

• itchy eyes, nose, mouth throat, skin or any area
• runny nose
• sneezing
• watery eyes
• problems with smell

Other symptoms include :

• stuffy nose
• coughing
• sore throat
• clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
• sore throat
• puffiness under the eyes
• dark circles under the eyes
• fatigue and irritability
• headache

How to deal with allergy rhinitis ?

Since allergies that cause hay fever are  in the air, it is very difficult to avoid it. However with other types of allergies, the best defense against it is to avoid it. Doctors usually prescribe antihistamine to control symptoms such as runny nose, itchiness and sneezing. The general rule is to begin giving the antihistamnine when symptoms appear  and throughout the hay fever season. Your  doctor will personalize and adjust the dosage of the antihistamine and try different types to find the best one for your child.

For more severe cases , special nasal sprays such as cromolyn or cortico­steroid sprays may be used. Allergy shot may also be used to create immunity against offending  allergen.