Overview

Rhinitis is swelling and irritation in the nose. Allergies and infections are often the cause. Your child's nose may run or feel stuffy. Other symptoms are itchy and sore eyes, ears, throat, and mouth.

If allergies are the cause, your doctor may do tests to find out what your child is allergic to. You may be able to stop symptoms if your child avoids the things that cause them. Your doctor may suggest or prescribe medicine to ease the symptoms.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If your child's rhinitis is caused by allergies, try to find out what sets off (triggers) their symptoms. Take steps to avoid these triggers.
  • Avoid yard work near your child. This can stir up both pollen and mould.
  • Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house.
  • Do not use aerosol sprays, cleaning products, or perfumes around your child or in your house.
  • If pollen is one of your child's triggers, close your house and car windows during blooming season.
  • Clean your house often to control dust.
  • Keep pets outside.
• If your doctor recommends over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms, give them to your child exactly as directed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Use saline (saltwater) nasal washes to help keep your child's nasal passages open and wash out mucus and allergens. You can buy saline nose sprays at a grocery store or drugstore. Or you can make your own at home by adding 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of baking soda to 2 cups (500 millilitres) of distilled or boiled and cooled water. If you make your own, fill a squeeze bottle with the solution, gently insert the tip into your child's nostril, and have them lean over the sink. Gently squirt the solution into the nose, making sure their mouth is open. Repeat on the other side.
• For infants, put a drop or two of the saline solution in one nostril. Using a soft rubber suction bulb, squeeze air out of the bulb and gently place the tip of the bulb inside the baby's nose. Relax your hand to suck the mucus from the nose. Repeat in the other nostril.