Allergic Rhinitis

  • Published on Mar 10, 2025

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Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.

What is allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”?

  • Inflammation and irritation of the nose from an allergen  

  • A reaction of the immune system, in which it releases chemicals including histamine when exposed to the allergen

What causes it?

  • If your child has allergies year around the most common causes are something they are exposed to regularly such as:  cockroaches, pets, dust mites and indoor mold  

  • If your child has seasonal allergies the causes are more likely: pollen or an outdoor mold

What are the symptoms?

While symptoms may vary for each child, some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Sneezing, congestion, runny nose

  • Nosebleeds

  • Itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears

  • Watery eyes

  • Recurrent ear infections

  • Snoring or mouth breathing

  • Continuous throat clearing

  • Fatigue or poor school performance

  • "Allergic salute" — when a child rubs his hand upward across the bridge of the nose while sniffing

How can I prevent it?

  • When your child has an indoor allergy:  

    • Clean regularly to avoid dust and mold build-up

  • Avoid pets if your child has a pet allergy  

  • When your child has outdoor allergies:

    • Keep windows closed and use your air conditioning when needed

    • Have your child change clothes and shower after playing outdoors

    • Stay indoors when pollen count is high  

What are the treatments for my child?

Your provider may recommend different treatments such as:

  • Nasal steroid spray  

  • Nasal saline  

  • Oral antihistamines

If your child’s symptoms are not well controlled with medication options, a referral to an allergist might be the next step.

When to call your doctor:

  • Your child’s symptoms are not improving or worsening  

  • Your child’s allergy symptoms are not responding to medications

  • Your child is having new symptoms

This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org

Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 07/2023