Allergic rhinitis is a year round concern, especially for children
by Tim Ditman OSF Healthcare DANVILLE - When the temperature starts to warm up, so does the concern for allergies. But one condition – allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever – isn’t confined to March, April and May. Edward Jenner/PEXELS “It’s the most common pediatric medical condition that exists,” says Luis Garcia, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare. That adds up to 40% of children , he says. Dr. Garcia says allergic rhinitis describes chronic swelling of the tissue inside your nose due to an allergic reaction. It’s commonly triggered by inhaling irritants like dust, pollen and bacteria through the nose. Sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose often follow. Dr. Garcia says risk factors include a family history of allergies, being a first-born child, being male, being born in the spring or summer and a heavy exposure to antibiotics in the first year of life. The first line of treatment for allergic rhinitis is prevention, Dr. Garcia say
