Reliable guideline for children's health
Children with allergic rhinitis typically have two or more symptoms such as clear nasal discharge, nasal itching, nasal congestion, and sneezing, each lasting or accumulating for about an hour or more per day. In addition, eye symptoms such as itchy eyes and conjunctival congestion may also accompany these symptoms.
What are the factors that cause allergic rhinitis in children?
1. Allergens: According to the most authoritative international guideline, the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), substances that cause allergic rhinitis mainly include outdoor and indoor allergens. Generally speaking, the most important outdoor allergens are pollen and molds, while the most important indoor allergens are dust mites, pet dander, insects, and molds, as well as air pollution and secondhand smoke.
2. Family history: Children with a family history are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis because allergic reactions have a genetic tendency to some extent.
3. Environmental factors: Factors such as air quality, climate change, air pollution, seasonal variations, etc., in the environment may also influence whether children develop allergic rhinitis. It’s worth noting that allergic rhinitis caused by pollen typically increases gradually after the age of 4 or 5.
4. Lifestyle habits: Excessive use of antibiotics, lack of adequate outdoor activities, excessive indoor cleanliness, etc., may also increase the risk of children developing allergic rhinitis.
5. Early exposure: Some studies suggest that early-life exposure to allergens may increase the risk of children developing allergic rhinitis. For example, early exposure to pets or excessive hygiene measures may weaken a child’s immune system, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions.
6. Dietary factors: Some food allergies may also lead to allergic rhinitis, but they are relatively rare. For infants, foods such as eggs and milk can also cause allergic rhinitis in children under 1 year old, but they usually accompany gastrointestinal or other systemic allergic symptoms.
These factors may act alone or in combination, affecting whether children develop allergic rhinitis. For children who have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, avoiding exposure to allergens and taking appropriate treatment and management measures are effective ways to prevent allergic rhinitis in children.
