Nasal Allergies in Children

If your child has nasal allergies, it's important to identify the causes, or triggers, of your child's runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. These nasal allergy triggers may vary, depending on whether your child has seasonal or year-round (perennial) nasal allergies. By helping your child learn how to avoid these triggers, you may help him or her play an active role in his or her own health.

Children and Seasonal Nasal Allergy Triggers

Seasonal nasal allergies come and go through the year and are usually triggered by pollen or outdoor mold spores. Pollens are the particles from plants that help them reproduce. Pollen grains are shed by trees, grasses, and weeds during the spring, summer, and fall in most areas of the United States. Many types of pollen are spread far and wide by the wind and can end up in your child's nose, resulting in sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Children and Year-Round Nasal Allergy Triggers

Year-round (perennial)nasal allergies produce nasal allergy symptoms all year round and can be set off by a child’s exposure to:

• Animal dander
• Dust mite and cockroach droppings
• Indoor mold spores

Pet dander is made up of tiny scales of hair, skin, or feathers from a furry or feathered animal that are scattered about your house and can linger there long after the pet has left the room—and even after the pet is no longer living with you. Pet dander, as well as a pet's urine, saliva, and blood, can trigger nasal allergy symptoms.

Dust mites are tiny, insect-like creatures that live indoors. Their droppings, or waste products, are what can trigger nasal allergy symptoms. Dust mites feed off dead human skin, and their droppings can collect deep down in carpeting, in your child's mattress and pillow, and even on his or her teddy bear. Cockroach droppings, also sometimes found in house dust, can be an allergen as well.

Mold, another common indoor allergen, can grow anywhere it is dark and damp. Mold spores can often be found in the air in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and even on the toys your child plays with.

If your child is not getting satisfactory improvement in his or her nasal allergy symptoms, this is a great time to make an appointment to talk with his or her pediatrician. Find out if RHINOCORT AQUA may be right for your child. RHINOCORT AQUA offers gentle relief, and is also scent-free and alcohol-free.