Allergic rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, is a very common condition in which there is an allergic reaction or sensitivity to certain particles that are in the air on a seasonal basis. The exact cause of hay fever, as with other types of allergic reactions, is not well understood. What is known is that the body senses that a certain substance is going to cause harm and it mounts an attack each time it comes in contact with the substance. Common allergens (antigens, or substances that cause an allergic reaction) include tree, grass, and weed pollens; and mold spores. There are other allergens that commonly cause an allergic reaction but not seasonally. These include dust mites, animal dander, smoke, and various manufactured products and chemicals. Most allergens are harmless substances. It is the reaction of the body's immune, or defense, system that actually causes the symptoms. With hay fever, symptoms will occur at the same time each year when certain pollen is in the air in high concentration. Individuals with allergies to one substance are more likely to develop allergic reactions to other substances as well. Risk increases with a family history of allergies.

Symptoms may include:

• Clear nasal discharge, itchy nose, sneezing, and sniffing
• There may also be ear, eye, and sinus involvement with red, itchy, watery eyes and swelling below the eyes
• A plugged feeling in the ears
• Dry, scratchy, sore throat
• Hay fever DOES NOT produce an actual fever

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose the problem by asking about your child's symptoms, doing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory blood tests, and x-rays.
• Prescribe medications that can help decrease the body's reaction to allergens like antihistamines and antihistamine/decongestant combinations. Drowsiness is a common side effect of antihistamines; the combination products are better in that regard but decongestants can also have side effects.
• Recommend allergy tests to try and discover exactly what pollens or other substances are causing a reaction. This will also help determine the best treatment. Routine injections may be recommended following the tests. These shots help desensitize the body to the allergens.

What you can do:

• Treatment includes, at home, avoiding as many of the allergens as possible. Be alert to the time of year and under what conditions various allergens are in the air in the greatest concentrations. Windy days are usually worse. Plan to spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned area during those periods of high pollen count.
• Change air conditioner filters frequently
• Because pollen can remain on clothes and hair and on pets, wash hair daily, preferably before bed. Keep pets either in or out of doors, not both, so they do not bring pollens in the home with them.
• Close windows that face the wind and do not drive with car windows down.
• Discuss with your doctor the best medications for your situation and avoid over-the-counter nasal spays unless recommended by your pediatrician.

What you can expect:

• Depending on the severity of reaction, your child may need to take medication throughout the pollen season or only when symptoms are especially bothersome.
• Symptoms usually improve in a short time with treatment.

Contact your doctor if you or a family member have symptoms of hay fever; if your child has thick yellow secretions for over 24 hours; or if your child suffers with sinus pain and pressure or fever.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620