Allergic Rhinitis

Once the beautiful Palo Verde trees start to bloom with those pretty yellow flowers then you will start noticing that there would be a lot of individuals starting to sneeze, have sore throats, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and coughing. Fever is not usually a part of this syndrome. Usually when fever happens there is a secondary bacterial infection that happens. Ear infection, sinusitis. There can also be a secondary to viral infection, pharyngitis. You would notice that they would have dark circles under their eyes (allergic shiners) and there is a line across their nose(nasal crease). This happens when they try to wipe their noses using the palms of their hands in an upward motion called the allergic salute. They would also complain of itchy eyes resulting in redness but with a clear discharge (allergic conjunctivitis). They are usually miserable because they do not get enough sleep at night because it is hard to breath when you are congested.

Treatment:
I usually advise the parents to limit pollen and mold exposure by the following suggestions:
1. do not open the windows at night (do not let the pollen in)
2. do not open the window cars
3. make sure you give the child a bath every night to include washing their hairs and change their clothes
4.avoid moist damp areas at home
5. vacuum the carpets regularly

Medications:
Claritin(loratadine), Zyrtec(cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine) works pretty well in decreasing the symptoms and this is good for 24 hours. Zyrtec causes the most drowsiness in individuals. If you want to get around it please give the medication at night. If the symptoms persists call your doctor. We usually prescribe a nasal steroid in combination with the antihistamine. Singulair(montelukast) can sometime help some patients with persistent symptoms.