What is the reason for the baby's frequent runny nose? Is it a cold or allergic rhinitis?

In winter, the weather is dry and the temperature is very low. Adults will experience sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Their noses are blocked at night. In short, they are uncomfortable. Babies are no exception. As a mother, I feel very distressed when facing a baby who can't speak yet. If this happens, does it mean that the baby has a cold? In fact, in addition to colds, it may also be allergic rhinitis.

How does allergic rhinitis occur?

When the baby comes into contact with certain allergens, the allergens in the air enter the baby's nasal cavity or eyes, causing the release of histamine (an important mediator that causes allergic reactions in the body) in the baby's body, thereby producing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

1. Pollen: It is usually caused by pollen from trees and grasses. It is most likely to occur in spring when flowers bloom, causing seasonal allergic rhinitis.

2. Dust mites or pet dander: This is the most common. If your baby is allergic, don't let him/her be around when you're cleaning.

3. Certain foods: may also cause allergic rhinitis, such as eggs, beef, nuts, shrimp, and crab.

4. Some other irritants: including smoke, paint, perfume, odor, insecticide, deodorant, etc., may be the cause of allergic rhinitis in children.

Is allergic rhinitis hereditary?

I can’t say for sure, but the chances of it being inherited are still pretty high.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergic diseases. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis in babies:

1. Nose: nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose (usually clear nasal discharge), itchy nose (rubbing the nose);

2. Eyes: red or itchy eyes (rubbing eyes or blinking);

3. Throat: itchy and painful throat, frequent throat clearing and coughing;

4. Sleep: snoring or frequent mouth breathing at night, waking up easily or having difficulty falling asleep during sleep, feeling tired during the day, and having difficulty concentrating during the day;

5. Others: Some babies may also have urticaria or eczema;

Therefore, if your baby has allergic rhinitis, it will still be very uncomfortable. If you find that your baby often sniffles and blinks, you must be careful that it is allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis. It is best to take your baby to an ENT department for treatment.

How to distinguish between cold and allergic rhinitis

1. Check the course of disease

The symptoms of runny nose and nasal congestion caused by a cold usually last for 7-10 days before they get better. If the runny nose and nasal congestion last for more than 2 weeks, allergic rhinitis should be considered, which may have long-term symptoms.

2. Look at the symptoms

Colds may cause systemic symptoms, such as body aches and fever, but allergic rhinitis does not. Colds may cause diarrhea, but allergic rhinitis does not.

2. Look at the history of allergies

Babies with allergic rhinitis usually have a history of other allergies, such as urticaria.

3. Look at the drug effect

You can take oral anti-allergic drugs to see if the symptoms are relieved. If the symptoms are significantly relieved, it is more likely to be related to allergies. Of course, in the end, it is necessary to determine whether it is a cold or allergic rhinitis. It is still recommended to go to the hospital for treatment.

How to deal with allergic rhinitis

If the baby is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, the doctor will generally recommend the use of medication alone or in combination according to the baby's symptoms:

1. Nasal spray hormone: It is the most direct and effective treatment. However, before your baby uses hormone nasal spray, you need to consult a doctor to clarify the dosage and time of use.

2. Sea salt water for nasal spray: helps clean the nasal cavity, flushes out residual allergens and reduces the irritation of allergens, and can also relieve nasal congestion and runny nose symptoms.

3. Antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs): Help babies relieve symptoms of itchy nose and eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. Some antihistamines can cause sleepiness in babies, so consult a doctor before using them. For infants and young children, loratadine or cetirizine are more commonly used and relatively safe.

4. Leukotriene receptor antagonists: The commonly used drug is Singulair (montelukast sodium), which can inhibit the activity of leukotrienes and thus reduce nasal inflammation.

5. Supplement probiotics: Some probiotics can help babies improve their immunity, such as Changmin. It is good for babies with allergies.

However, no matter what medicine is used, allergic rhinitis cannot be cured. As long as the baby is exposed to allergens again, it is likely to relapse. Therefore, prevention is the most important thing - "avoid possible allergens." Of course, if children have a regular life, a balanced diet, and exercise more to strengthen their physical fitness, the chance of allergic rhinitis will also be reduced.