Related concepts:

Nasal allergies, Allergic rhinitis, Hay fever, Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Perennial allergic rhinitis, Pollen allergy, House dust allergy, Pet allergies, Mold allergies

Introduction to allergies:

Children with allergies tend to get more ear infections, more colds, and have more sleepless nights than their peers. Far too often, the underlying allergies are missed and children are treated for each symptom as it occurs.

What is allergies?

The lining of our noses contains tiny guardians called mast cells, whose purpose is to protect us from harmful particles in the air we breathe. People with allergies have hypersensitive mast cells that sound the alert in response to relatively harmless particles such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.

When pollen sticks to the membrane of a mast cell of someone with pollen allergies, the cell begins to swell and swell. Finally the mast cell bursts, spilling histamine and many other potent chemicals into the surrounding tissue. These produce the sneezing, swelling, itching, and congestion associated with allergies.

Who gets allergies?

Developing allergies involves a genetic and an environmental component.

Allergies tend to run in families. Asthma, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) often occur in the same families. Boys, firstborn children, those with eczema, those with food allergies, and those whose parents have nasal allergies are all more likely to develop nasal allergies. Early wheezing does not appear to increase the chances.

The environment also makes a difference. Allergic rhinitis is an over-exuberant response to substances in the environment. Both too much and too little immune response is unhealthy. Experiences in early childhood can teach the body to set the level of immune protection 'just right.’

Children who are raised on a farm have a significantly reduced risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Children in day care, those with older siblings, those with pets, and those who get plenty of colds are also less likely to develop nasal allergies.

Parents are often told that their children are too young to have allergies. While allergies do become more common from ages 2 to 7, they certainly can be present earlier.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Nasal allergies typically feature a clear nasal discharge with sneezing. There may be itchy, watery eyes and/or a dry cough. Parents often notice a "rabbit nose" -- a child crinkling her nose to relieve the itchy sensation inside. The "allergic salute" -- rubbing the nose with the hand, sometimes leaving a horizontal crease on the nose -- is another common sign.