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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