Helping children thrive during hay fever season

Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucus membranes in the nose, an IGE-mediated reaction caused by sensitivity to either seasonal or perennial aeroallergens.¹ There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis.

While allergic rhinitis can affect all ages it is especially problematic in children. There is an incidence of up to 40% yet it is often unrecognised and untreated, ² leading to a poor quality of life for sufferers, and associated complications and comorbidities.

Common symptoms associated with rhinitis are an itchy nose, red eyes, watery discharge from the nose and/or eyes, a blocked nose and sneezing. ³ Berger suggests that a good clinician can see the signs of severe allergic rhinitis in a person's face (Table 1).