If your child's nose has been running for weeks and they have bouts of sneezing in the mornings but never run a fever, the cause may be allergy rather than infection. Allergic rhinitis is the reaction of the lining of the nose to allergens, and it affects roughly one in four school-age children.

Symptoms

  • Clear, watery nasal discharge and congestion
  • Repeated bouts of sneezing
  • Itching of the nose, palate and eyes; watering and redness of the eyes
  • Pushing the nose upward with the palm (the "allergic salute") and a crease across the nose
  • Bluish circles under the eyes, sleeping with the mouth open, snoring

How It Differs From a Common Cold

A cold clears up in 7–10 days, whereas allergic rhinitis lasts weeks to months, causes no fever, has itching as its main feature, and may recur in the same season each year (pollen allergy) or persist year-round (dust mites, mould, animal allergy).

Why Does It Matter?

Untreated allergic rhinitis lowers sleep quality, school performance and attention span, sets the stage for sinusitis and middle-ear fluid, and increases the risk of asthma.

Treatment

Avoiding the allergen is fundamental; nasal rinsing, an age-appropriate antihistamine, and nasal sprays used under a doctor's supervision are effective. In resistant cases, allergy testing identifies the trigger.

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Related articles: Allergic asthma · Common cold · Pediatric allergy service

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, always consult a pediatrician (specialist in child health and diseases).

Hasan Keleş, MD — Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases, Gaziantep