| Q. |
My 5-year-old seems to have a stuffy nose all year round that is not relieved by the antihistamine her doctor prescribed. She is always breathing through her mouth and has trouble sleeping. We have been told she does not have allergies (based on blood tests), a deviated septum or large tonsils or adenoids. What can we do? |
| A. |
It sounds like your daughter may have perennial nonallergic rhinitis, a nasal condition that primarily causes nasal congestion and usually worsens when in contact with nasal irritants. An effective treatment is an intranasal corticosteroid spray like FLONASE (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg, which is proven effective in children as young as 4 years. Ask your doctor if your daughter might have nonallergic rhinitis and would benefit from FLONASE.
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| Q. |
I am concerned about medication side effects. Is there a medication that will help my 6-year-old's constant stuffy nose—worse at night—and not affect his being able to sleep? |
| A. |
I would recommend that you consult with your son's healthcare provider to determine what might be the best treatment for his stuffy nose. Oral decongestant medications are frequently used, but, unfortunately, their side effects may include difficulty with sleep, nervousness, and irritability. If your son's stuffy nose is caused by nasal allergies, a nasal steroid spray, like FLONASE, may help. These nasal sprays are highly effective in bringing relief for nasal congestion, runny or itchy nose, and sneezing.
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| Q. |
My 5-year-old son experiences severe nasal stuffiness all year long, but his doctor says that he is not allergic to dust, pollen or pet dander. What could be causing his nasal problems? |
| A. |
He most likely has year-round, nonallergic nasal symptoms. Individuals who suffer from this experience nasal symptoms that may include severe nasal stuffiness or congestion, postnasal drip, and runny nose—symptoms usually triggered by environmental irritants. Their reactions are not considered to be allergic. I do recommend going back to your healthcare provider or allergy specialist for further treatment. FLONASE has been shown to be effective in the treatment of both year-round nonallergic and allergic nasal symptoms in children as young as 4 years. Also, try to avoid strong odors and air pollutants.
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| Q. |
Is inflammation a normal characteristic of nasal allergies? |
| A. |
YES. Nasal allergy symptoms occur when an allergy sufferer is exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, and house dust mites. These allergens can cause an allergic reaction that results in inflamed nasal tissues—which can get red and swollen and can produce a large amount of watery mucus.
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| Q. |
My child has severe seasonal nasal allergies, and I am concerned about his having increased symptoms while in school. What can I do to help? |
| A. |
Most importantly, you need to discuss your child's allergy condition and the medications he is taking with your child's teacher and school nurse. Informing them about your concerns and his known allergy triggers will allow them to help him better control his exposure. For example, reducing his outdoor exposure on high pollen days by limiting outdoor activities such as P.E., or moving him away from open windows may help better control his symptoms.
Probably the best way of controlling his nasal allergy symptoms is to insure that your child's healthcare provider has prescribed effective allergy medications that won't interfere with school performance. Unfortunately, many of the over-the-counter allergy medications, although effective in reducing allergy symptoms, can cause sleepiness.
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| Q. |
Can my child take allergy medications while at school? |
| A. |
Check your child's school policy regarding medications. If your child needs to have medication during the school day, ask if there is a school nurse to help.
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| Q. |
Can relocating improve my nasal allergies? |
| A. |
Unfortunately, moving does not guarantee that your allergy symptoms will change for the better.
If your nasal allergies are seasonal and are triggered by pollens from local trees, grasses, and/or weeds, relocating within the same region of the country may not affect your allergies. By moving to another region, you may see an initial improvement in your allergy symptoms; however, new allergies can develop over time to the pollens in your new surroundings. So, eventually your nasal allergy symptoms may be similar, or even worse, than those you experienced before your move.
If you suffer from year-round nasal allergies caused by household dust mites, molds, or animal dander, your symptoms would likely remain as before, unless your lifestyle changes (for example, you allergy-proof your home, or you no longer have a pet).
As a result, you should not plan a move on the basis of your allergies alone.
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| Q. |
Could I be allergic to cigarette smoke? |
| A. |
No, but an estimated 23% of people with chronic nasal problems have a condition called perennial nonallergic rhinitis, which is worsened by inhaling strong environmental irritants. Typical symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip. Treatment usually consists of avoiding the irritant and may include taking a prescription anti-inflammatory nasal spray such as FLONASE. For best results, FLONASE should be used daily, and results may vary from person to person.
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| Q. |
I have been suffering for years with nasal stuffiness and a runny nose-year-round. My doctors told me I don't have allergies. What could it be? |
| A. |
It sounds like you may have perennial nonallergic rhinitis (PNAR), which affects over 50% of individuals who have chronic nasal symptoms. This condition isn't caused by allergies. The symptoms you described are caused by irritants such as strong odors, pollution, smoke, and temperature changes. I would suggest asking your doctor if your symptoms may be related to PNAR.
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| Q. |
My doctor recently diagnosed me with PNAR. He prescribed FLONASE for the treatment of my symptoms. Is there anything else I can do to help control my nasal symptoms? |
| A. |
In addition to your medication, try to control your environment. Avoid exposure to known environmental irritants that trigger your nasal symptoms.
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