Allergic Rhinitis
With the onset of winter allergic
cough, respiratory bronchospasm and rhinitis is on the rise. Children generally
come up with allergic cough. This cough is non productive and can occur at any
time of the day but occurs mainly at night. The cough may occur in spasms and bouts
of coughing occurs. This may be accompanied by bronchospasm. Where the child
may have shortness of breath. There may be associated rhinitis (runny nose) and
red and runny eyes. In few cases, obvious wheezing may occur. Treatment is
mainly supportive; simply giving cough suppressants is not the solution. The
mainstay of treatment is giving anti allergies and nebulization. In some cases,
simple nebulization with normal saline is enough.
In other cases, nebulization with
bronchodilators may be needed. According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla a child
specialist in Karachi, steam inhalation is important; twice a day steam
inhalation with salt water or using a humidifier at night is very helpful. In
some cases, oral bronchodilators may be needed. Unless an infection is present,
antibiotics need not be used. Prevention is the key to management; keep the
child away from dust and pollution, also prevention from cold winds and air.
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