Rhinitis - Allergic (Pediatric) Disease Summary

Allergic rhinitis is and IgE-mediated inflammatory disease of the nasal mucous membrane occurring after exposure to allergens and trigger factors. It is most prevalent in childhood and adolescence.
Major signs and symptoms are nasal itching, watery rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, with or without obstruction and sneezing.
Careful elimination of nonallergic etiologies must be done in preschool children as allergic rhinitis is unusual in <3 years of age.
Identification and avoidance of trigger allergens should be an integral part of allergic rhinitis management strategy. Removal of the allergen may result in diminished severity of the disease and decreased requirement for medications.
Step-down therapy as patient’s symptoms improve and step-up when symptoms worsen is recommended.
Combination/step-up therapy may be used in patients with inadequate response to monotherapy or those with severe allergic rhinitis.

For further information regarding the management of Allergic Rhinitis in Children, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.