If you suspect your child has allergic rhinitis, bring them to your doctor or allergist. A skin prick test is usually performed to identify allergic triggers causing your child’s symptoms. You will be advised on appropriate avoidance measures according to your child’s environmental allergens.
Caring for children with allergic rhinitis
You can reduce your child's exposure to house dust mites by washing your child’s bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and covers) in hot water that is at least 60°C weekly to fortnightly. Remove any stuffed toys out of the bedroom and minimise them around the house.
Minimise the use of fabric furniture, carpets or thick fabric curtains around the house. You can use acaricide sprays on heavy fabric material.
Use damp cloths for cleaning surfaces around the house to reduce dust accumulation. Use a vacuum for cleaning instead of sweeping up dust, preferably when your child is not at home. Allow the air to settle for about 2 hours before allowing them to enter the room.
If your child sleeps in air-conditioning, ensure that the air-conditioner and filters are cleaned and serviced regularly.
If environmental measures are insufficient in controlling your child’s symptoms, you may need to bring them to a doctor who may prescribe non-sedating antihistamines and topical nasal saline rinses or topical nasal steroid sprays to control the underlying inflammation. Other medications such as decongestants or leukotriene antagonists may also be prescribed.
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