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How Allergies Affect Your Child's Health
Your child has been diagnosed with
allergic rhinitis, a physiological response to specific allergens such as pet
dander or ragweed. The symptoms are fairly simple -- a runny nose (rhinitis),
watery eyes, and some periodic sneezing. The best solution is to administer
over-the-counter antihistamine, and the problem will resolve on its own
….right?
Not really – the interrelated structures of the ears, nose, and
throat can cause certain medical problems which trigger additional disorders –
all with the possibility of serious consequences.
Simple hay fever can
lead to long term problems in swallowing, sleeping, hearing, and breathing.
Let’s see what else can happen to a child with a case of hay
fever.
- Ear infections: One of
children’s most common medical problems is otitis media, or middle ear
infection. These infections are especially common in early childhood. They are
even more common when children suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) as
well. Allergic inflammation can cause swelling in the nose and around the
opening of the Eustachian tube (ear canal). This swelling has the potential to
interfere with drainage of the middle ear. When bacteria laden discharge clogs
the tube, infection is more likely.
- Sore throats: The hay fever
allergens may lead to the formation of too much mucus which can make the nose
run or drip down the back of the throat, leading to "post-nasal drip." It can
lead to cough, sore throats, and husky voice. Although more common in older
people and in dry inland climates, thick, dry mucus can also irritate the
throat and be hard to clear. Air conditioning, winter heating, and dehydration
can aggravate the condition. Paradoxically, antihistamines will do so as well.
Some newer antihistamines do not produce dryness.
- Snoring: Chronic nasal
obstruction is a frequent symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis. This allergic condition may have
a debilitating effect on the nasal turbinates, the small, shelf-like, bony
structures covered by mucous membranes (mucosa). The turbinates protrude into
the nasal airway and help to warm, humidify, and cleanse air before it reaches
the lungs. When exposed to allergens, the mucosa can become inflamed. The
blood vessels inside the membrane swell and expand, causing the turbinates to
become enlarged and obstruct the flow of air through the nose. This
inflammation, or rhinitis, can cause chronic nasal obstruction that affects
individuals during the day and night.
Enlarged turbinates and nasal
congestion can also contribute to headaches and sleep disorders such as
snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, because the nasal airway is the normal
breathing route during sleep. Once turbinate enlargement becomes chronic, it
is irreversible except with surgical intervention.
- Pediatric sinusitis: Allergic
rhinitis can cause enough inflammation to obstruct the openings to the
sinuses. Consequently, a bacterial sinus infection occurs. The disease is
similar for children and adults. Children may or may not complain of pain.
However, in acute sinusitis, they will often have pain and typically have
fever and a purulent nasal discharge. In chronic sinusitis, pain and fever are
not evident. Some children may have mood or behavior changes. Most will have a
purulent, runny nose and nasal congestion even to the point where they must
mouth breathe. The infected sinus drains around the Eustachian tube, and
therefore many of the children will also have a middle ear infection.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis may resolve after a short
period. Administration of the proper over-the-counter antihistamines may
alleviate the symptoms. However, if your child suffers from perennial (year
round) allergic rhinitis, an examination by specialist will assist in preventing
other ear, nose, and throat problems from
occurring.
© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF
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