Nasal allergy problems (rhinitis)

Rhinitis - means inflammation of the lining of the nose

Common causes of rhinitis are allergies which may be seasonal or occur all-year-round (examples - allergy to house dust mite, cats, dogs and moulds). Rhinitis is a risk factor for the development of asthma.

Allergic rhinitis is very common, affecting one in four in the world. As with other allergic disorders (asthma, atopic dermatitis) rhinitis is much more common in westernized societies; the prevalence of rhinitis continues to rise in many countries.

Allergic rhinitis is frequently ignored by family members, doctors and even sufferers themselves, probably because recurrent colds are common, particularly in small children. This is a big mistake since not only does rhinitis reduce quality of life, it can impair sleep and reduce school performance and attendance at work. Allergic children have been shown to have more infections and more problems with those infections.

Asthmatic children who get colds are 20 times more likely to be hospitalised due to their asthma if they are allergic and if they are exposed to high levels of their provoking allergens. Adequate treatment of underlying allergic disease helps to diminish these problems. Allergic rhinitis may itself be the first manifestation of allergic disease, e.g. as hay fever in teenagers or adults. Rhinitis may progress to persistent symptoms with resultant nasal congestion which impacts on adjacent structures such as the sinuses, throat, middle ear and bronchial tubes.

Diagnosis rests on taking an adequate detailed history and supplementing this by examination and, if necessary, specific allergy tests. The timing of symptoms in relation to possible allergen exposure is of primary relevance.

The treatment of common cold in children

Typically, the development of cold takes 7-10 days or more, depending on the type of which has produced there sickness. Serious illnesses such as certain types of acute respiratory viral infections, and chronic runny nose caused by specific infections (syphilis, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea) are treated simultaneously with the main disease in specialised medical centres.

How to treat cold in children?

А.First aid

Raise the head of the bed on which lay a child. For it put a pillow under the child's shoulders, in such way that the head and upper torso of the child are located relative to the torso at an angle of 40-45 (Make sure that your child is lie comfortably in this position).

Thanks to it, phlegm or mucus in the nose will be easier to stand out and maybe you will not need to use medicines.


B. Do not let dry phlegm!

The easiest way is to spoil a child's nose with salt solution: In the case of colds in newborns or infants, as well as the common cold in older children, it is important to prevent the drying of mucus in the nasal passages - it may finally disturb the nasal breathing. In order to prevent dry out the phlegm in the nasal passages recommended moisturise the nasal passages with saline.

You can use the normal saline, or solution of salt in water. Saline is instilled with 3-4 drops in each nostril. It is necessary that in this time the child was lying with his head thrown back ago. The first penetration of liquids into the nose could be very unpleasant and may create coughing, sneezing, or even the urge to vomit. However, after several treatments of dripping, the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa and pharynx disappears. Procedure can be repeated every 30 - 60 minutes. It is important to ensure that the mucus in the nose does not dry. The Saline promotes diluation of phlegm and easiest discharges from the nose of the child.

Instead of saline solution, some experts recommend the use oily liquids such as oil solution of vitamin A or vitamin E, which can be purchased in the pharmacy. Such fluids are not only prevent the drying out of mucus, and moisturise the nasal mucosa, take off irritation and have a regenerative effect.

If we talk about drugs used to fight the common cold in children, it is usually local or systemic decongestants, which have are used to facilitate nasal breathing in children. Such drugs include drop Nazol Baby, Naphazoline, Nazivin, Naftizin and some others. All drugs of this group contribute to vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa of the child. Vessels narrow, which reduces the swelling of mucus from the nose. As a result, the child becomes much easier to breathe. In addition to all these drugs open the channels between the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This reduces the possibility of developing any complications of the common cold.

Dear Parents, it is very important that you remember that any medication that is prescribed to your child, should be properly used. Always follow doctor's orders with respect to its dosing regimen and duration of treatment.