Don't let spring months become a nightmare for your child! What are the symptoms of spring allergies in children?

Dr. Duman stated that allergic rhinitis is often confused with the common cold, noting that if a runny nose that begins in the spring and summer months lasts longer than three weeks, there is a suspicion of allergic rhinitis. The specialist doctor warned families to consult a specialist if symptoms persist.

BEWARE IF YOUR CHILD HAS SNEEZING FITS

It has been reported that approximately half of the children who visit a doctor with complaints of a runny or stuffy nose during the spring months are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Allergic rhinitis is a health issue that is either year-round or seasonal.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis increases, especially in the spring, due to plants sensitive to wind-borne pollen. This condition can affect the upper respiratory tract, leading to complaints such as nasal congestion and runny nose in children.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms can vary in every child; common symptoms are as follows:

-Sneezing

-Nasal congestion and runny nose

-Itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears

-Nosebleeds

-Ear congestion

-Redness, watering, burning, or itching in the eyes

In children with year-round allergic rhinitis, the following complaints may also be seen:

-Recurrent ear infections

-Snoring

-Mouth breathing

-Loss of smell

-A line or crease on the bridge of the nose caused by frequently wiping or rubbing an itchy nose

MORE COMMON IN CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

Children with other allergic diseases such as eczema, food allergies, and asthma are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis. Approximately 8 out of 10 children with asthma also have allergic rhinitis. For these children, allergens are a common cause of asthma attacks.

Children whose parents have allergies are also at a higher risk of developing allergies.

HOUSE DUST IS ALSO AMONG THE TRIGGERS

While flowers and plants found in homes do not affect children sensitive to pollen very much, plants found outdoors, in green areas, forests, and fields can cause an increase in allergic rhinitis complaints.

In addition to pollen, allergens such as household dust, animal dander, and tobacco smoke can also cause allergic rhinitis. It is common for children with allergic rhinitis to also have asthma. Therefore, families should be careful about symptoms of coughing and wheezing in the child.

The disease, which shows its first symptoms in childhood, can become a condition that the person must learn to live with throughout their entire life.

THE SUBSTANCE CAUSING THE ALLERGY MUST BE IDENTIFIED

In cases where allergic rhinitis is suspected in a child, the family may notice the factors causing the allergy, or skin or blood tests may be needed to identify the substance causing the allergy.

Additionally, the “nasal eosinophilia” test, which measures the percentage of allergy cells in nasal secretions, is also a method used for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. If the test results determine that the child is sensitive to a specific allergen, treatment for this allergy can be started.

VACCINE TREATMENT CAN BE APPLIED WHEN NECESSARY

The first step in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is to avoid the factors that cause the allergy. Especially for children with pollen allergies, it is recommended to stay away from green areas during the pollination period.

If environmental protection methods are insufficient, medication can be introduced. These medications can alleviate children's complaints even when used only on days when symptoms appear.

In cases where medication is not sufficient, immunotherapy (allergy vaccine) can be applied. This treatment aims to regulate the immune system by administering increasing doses of the allergens to which the child is sensitive, and in the long term, it enables the body to develop a natural response against these allergens.