Allergies and Children

Effects of Allergies on Children

Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting up to 40% of all children. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis commonly include sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy nose, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. While allergic rhinitis is not typically a life-threatening medical condition, it can make children miserable and affect many aspects of their lives.

The Pediatric Allergies in America Survey, published in 2009, sought to determine the effects of allergic rhinitis on children. This study surveyed over 35,000 households in the United States, and determined common symptoms of allergies, effects of allergies on quality of life, and the effects of medications on allergy symptoms.

Worst Allergy Symptoms

While children experience allergic rhinitis symptoms in different ways, the survey sought to determine which allergy symptoms were the most bothersome. Nasal congestion was the most bothersome symptom by far, and was reported to be the worst symptom more than twice as often as the next worst symptom (headaches). Other symptoms near the top of the list included runny nose, dry cough, itchy eyes and postnasal drip.

It certainly is important to consider which symptoms most bother a child when choosing a treatment regimen. Nasal congestion would not be expected to be treated to any significant degree with oral antihistamines; prescription nasal sprays and Singulair would be better choices to address this symptom.

Effect of Allergies on Mental Well-Being

Parents of children with and without allergic rhinitis were asked about the mental well-being. Parents of children with allergies reported their children to be less likely to be happy, full of energy, and full of life compared to those children without allergies. Children with allergies were also reported by their parents to have a reduction in their school productivity of 30% when their symptoms were at their worst.

This certainly proves that allergic rhinitis is far more than just a “runny nose.”

Effect of Allergies on Activities

Children with allergies were much less likely, when compared to children without allergies, to own pets, do well in school, and participate in team sports, school activities and indoor or outdoor activities. Some of these, such as less participation in outdoor activities and pet ownership, seem obvious, but it’s quite sad to think that allergic children are missing out on playing at an outdoor playground, or walking a dog, just because they have allergies.

Effects of Allergies on Sleep

Allergic rhinitis symptoms also have a profound impact on a child’s ability to sleep. In fact, 40% of parents of allergic children reported that their child’s sleeping was negatively impacted as a result of their symptoms. This included difficulty falling and staying asleep, as well as not feeling rested in the morning. It is very likely that trouble sleeping results in a decreased quality of life in other areas of a child’s life, such as school performance and social activities.

Although this survey is but one piece of research, its findings ring true with my clinical experience.

Learn more about the allergies in children.

_Source:

_{Meltzer EO, Blaiss MS, Derebery J, et al. Burden of Allergic Rhinitis: Results From the Pediatric Allergies in America Survey. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009; 124:S43-70.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}