Question
My son has been burping a lot recently, thinking it was just a cold, so I gave him a lot of cold medicine. It’s starting to work a bit, but a week later, he’s still not better and keeps burping. Sometimes he likes to rub his nose, and sometimes he has a blocked nose when he sleeps at night, so he has to sleep with his mouth open during the day. It looks like he’s in a lot of pain. I’m looking for help on how to deal with this: What are the symptoms of children’s allergic rhinitis, and how is it treated?
Answer
Pediatric allergic rhinitis refers to symptoms caused by children’s allergies to pet fur, damp carpet mites, cold air, dust, food (such as eggs and shrimp), bacterial infections (such as the body and toxins produced by bacteria), or seasonal allergies (such as pollen-heavy seasons). The nose is most susceptible to allergies, leading to allergic rhinitis. Due to severe industrial air pollution, children are more prone to seasonal allergic rhinitis; if they have symptoms year-round, they may have perennial allergic rhinitis. If pediatric allergic rhinitis progresses over time, it can lead to systemic symptoms such as fatigue, lack of appetite, no weight gain, delayed growth and development, and organ dysfunction. Treatment-wise, the first step is to try to avoid contact with allergens, such as reducing exposure to animal fur and dust mites. Secondly, antiallergic medications can be used to alleviate symptoms, such as oral antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids. For severe cases, immunotherapy can be considered. In addition, maintaining good indoor ventilation, cleanliness, and a balanced diet are important measures for preventing and treating allergic rhinitis. If symptoms are severe and affect daily life, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor promptly.