"Every child has a few days when their nose is itchy and they sneeze constantly, as if a cold is coming. As parents, we usually think immediately: it's another cold. But what would you think if I told you that these seemingly mundane symptoms could be a sign of a deeper health problem?"
In our daily lives, children often rub their noses, sneeze or have a runny nose for various reasons. Often, we simply blame these symptoms on seasonal colds, often ignoring other health problems they may suggest. As a senior health science practitioner, I would like to tell parents that these seemingly ordinary symptoms are sometimes unusual signals that the body is sending to us.
Uncover the truth behind your child's common symptoms
Frequent nose rubbing, sneezing, and runny nose are often misinterpreted as precursors of a cold. However, the onset of these symptoms may not be as simple as a cold. In fact, these manifestations are often the body's response to certain factors that may indicate other health problems.
First of all, rubbing your nose is usually because of itching or discomfort on the inside of your nose. This sensation can be caused by allergens in the nose, such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. When a child's nose is exposed to these allergens, their immune system may overreact, causing the nose to itch.
Second, sneezing is a protective mechanism that is used to remove irritants from the nasal passages. If your child often sneezes without obvious cold symptoms, it could be an allergic reaction to a specific irritant. For example, some children may be particularly sensitive to pollen, dust mites, or animal dander.
Let's talk about runny nose again. Usually, a runny nose is the body's response to cold air or a viral infection. However, if your child has a long-term runny nose without cold or flu symptoms, it can be a sign of chronic rhinitis, especially if there is no fever or general fatigue.
Notably, one study showed that more than 30% of children failed to receive timely treatment for allergic rhinitis due to misdiagnosis. This suggests that parents need to be alert to these seemingly common symptoms, especially when they are frequent and accompanied by seasonal patterns.
Demystifying allergic rhinitis: the truth behind your child's frequent sneezing
Allergic rhinitis, which sounds a bit of a technical term, is actually a very common health problem. It occurs when the nose is overly sensitive to certain substances, resulting in a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms. Imagine spring pollen, dust mites at home, or pet dander, seemingly innocuous little things that could be the culprits of your child's seemingly endless sneezing and runny nose.
Studies have shown that about 10% to 30% of the global population is affected by allergic rhinitis, and the proportion is even higher among children. Unlike adults, allergic rhinitis in children is often misunderstood as a simple cold, leading to delays in treatment. The persistence of this symptom not only affects your child's daily life, such as learning and playing, but can also trigger or exacerbate other health problems, such as asthma.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include recurrent sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, and a runny nose. Another telltale sign is itchy and reddened eyes, sometimes accompanied by itchy ears or throat irritation. These symptoms worsen dramatically when exposed to allergens, such as during pollen season, after cleaning a room, or when you are in close proximity to pets.
A valid diagnosis usually includes a detailed history and skin allergy testing. There are various ways to treat allergic rhinitis, from simple lifestyle modifications to medications. For example, use an air purifier to reduce allergens in the room, clean bedding regularly to reduce the number of dust mites, and use antihistamines or nasal sprays when necessary.
Be alert to these signs and protect your child's health
When a child frequently rubs their nose, sneezes, and has a runny nose, it is crucial to pay attention to the frequency and duration of these symptoms. If these symptoms persist for more than a week and are accompanied by nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or an irrited throat, it's likely not just a common cold. Allergic rhinitis, for example, usually causes these symptoms in children and may be accompanied by itchy eyes and a clear nasal discharge. Studies have shown that ignoring these symptoms may affect your child's daily life, such as learning and sleep quality.
Further, if your child has frequent sneezing or nasal congestion in the absence of obvious cold symptoms, especially in certain seasons or environments, this may be an allergic reaction to certain substances such as pollen, dust or animal dander. In addition, if your child shows difficulty breathing or wheezing after playing, this can be an early sign of asthma and should be taken seriously.
It is important not to ignore the child's reaction to changes in the environment. For example, if a child experiences worsening symptoms after being exposed to a pet or in an environment with a lot of dust mites, it may be a reaction to a specific allergen. In such cases, it is very necessary to seek medical attention and get tested for allergens. Your doctor may recommend some skin prick tests or blood tests to determine your child's allergens.
In addition to seeking medical attention, parents can also learn about their child's symptoms through daily observation. Keeping track of when and where your child developed symptoms, as well as how they have changed, can help doctors diagnose and treat them more accurately. For example, if your child only experiences these symptoms in the spring, they may have a pollen allergy, and if they worsen at home, they may be sensitive to indoor allergens such as dust mites.