Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Children

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. It is a Th2 type allergic disease. Diagnosis is based on the presence of typical symptoms and evidence of allergic sensitization. Up to one in three children with allergic rhinitis develop asthma, and up to 80% of children with asthma have allergic rhinitis.

The most common allergic triggers are house dust mites, grass, weed and tree pollens, cat and dog allergens, and indoor and outdoor mould.

Local allergic rhinitis is a distinct phenotype characterised by typical symptoms and history of allergic rhinitis with undetectable specific IgE, but a positive nasal provocation test to one or more allergens.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis consists of a three-step approach: allergen avoidance, pharmacological treatment with antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids, and allergen immunotherapy.