Capture the Unique Way to Care for Childhood Allergic Rhinitis

By: Don Johnson

Caring for our children with a childhood illness is never an easy task for parents. We stand nearly helpless hoping and praying some miraculous event will take the sickness out of them. Our faith and dedication are never faltered but we still always wish there was something, anything, more we could do.

In these times many parents turn to conventional medicine to aid in the passage of whatever sickness ails their children. And while there is nothing wrong with using many types of conventional medications, there are some simple ways to avoid the sickness entirely. Avoidance is the best method but first let’s talk more about Allergic Rhinitis.

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic Rhinitis is an allergic inflammation of the nasal passage ways. When we breathe in allergens or other substances, such as dust, dander or pollen, that we are allergic to the body releases chemicals to fight off the invaders and triggers antibody production.

The antibodies, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE), are attached to mass cells and basophils, which contain histamine. When the mass cells are stimulated by the antibodies, they release histamine. This is when your body develops allergy symptoms. The symptoms listed below can develop quickly after exposure to the allergens.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms from Allergic Rhinitis include:

• A stuffy nose, possibly with sniffing, the most common symptom in children and may be their only complaint.
• A long lasting cough.
• Difficulty hearing can occur.
• Itchy or watery eyes.
• Dark patches under the eyes.
• Sneezing repeatedly.
• A diminished sense of smell.
• A runny nose. The drainage is usually clear and thin but may thicken and become cloudy or yellowish if a nasal or sinus infection develops.
• Moodiness.
• Itchy ears, nose, and throat.
• Lack of energy.
• Postnasal drip, which often feels like a tickle in your throat.
• Poor sleep, usually from the symptoms keeping you up.
• Problems with sinuses, which can lead to a sinus infection.

Causes and Risk Factors

Our immune system works to protect us against harmful invaders that enter our body through our eyes, nose, and mouth. When we breathe in allergens, our body “over-reacts” to this harmless substance and it initiates an attack. Having allergies means our immune system responds improperly. It is reacting to a harmless substance (the allergen) as if it was harmful.

The causes of Allergic Rhinitis come in two forms:

• Indoor Allergens:
• Pet Dander
• Cockroaches
• Molds
• Dust
• Dust Mites

• Outdoor Allergens:
• Grass Pollen
• Tree Pollen
• Ragweed
• Molds

There are a number of risk factors included in one’s ability to develop or acquire Allergic Rhinitis. These factors include:

• Genetics: There is a 75% chance of acquiring it if both parents also have it. If only one parent has it there is slightly less of a chance, it decreases to about a 50% chance.
• Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions will increase your chances of acquiring it which includes eczema, food allergies, and asthma.
• Age: Childhood years are the most likely time to develop it, but there is a chance you can acquire within adulthood.
• Environment: Some chemicals inhaled offer individuals the risk of acquiring it, such as second hand smoke.

How to Avoid Allergic Rhinitis?

Avoiding the problem altogether can be the most advanced tool to have when battling your child’s sickness. Once you have identified the allergic allergen that affects your child you’ll be better equipped for the battle. Below are a few steps you can take to prevent both indoor and outdoor allergens.

Indoor Allergens

• Pet Dander: Keep the pets out of the bedroom. The bedroom should be a place to find relief.
• Dust Mites: Make sure your child’s mattress is less than five years old and keep a dust mite cover over the mattress and pillow. This puts a barrier between your child and the allergen.
• Dust: Dust regularly and use a damp cloth. Do not use a feather duster.
• Molds: If there are any type of water leaks in your home make sure to contain them early on. Don't let mold grow in your bathroom.

Outdoor Allergens

• Keep up with pollen counts daily. You can use one of the following pollen sites to check the status of the pollen count.
• The weather website
• The Pollen website
• Stay indoors when the pollen count is too high.
• Have your child shower when they come in from the outdoors as pollen sticks to clothes.
• Plants flowers around your home that are pollinated by insects as opposed to flowers that use the wind. This type of pollen does not affect allergies as much as wind pollinated flowers do.

Parenting can be trying and rewarding in the same sense. With the health of our children leading in importance we continue to seek out healthier ways to care for our children whether they are sick or not. We can always find healthy solutions to eating, emotional health, and growth but what about when they are sick?

Sometimes the medication that they must take to ease the symptoms of sickness can harm our children in a whole other way. That is why finding a healthier solution to this annoying problem can be the most proactive and best decision you can make for your children. May good health and happiness meet you and your children daily.

Don is a freelance writer, editor and publisher for www.avoid-nasal-allergies.com. His family has always suffered from nasal allergies. Trading the symptoms of pollen allergy for the side effects of drugs, Don's family learned to treat hay fever the natural way without using prescription drugs by focusing on the cause and not the symptoms.