What are environmental allergies?
As your child grabs for a third tissue to blow that runny nose and sneeze in the process, it’s easy to wonder if he or she might have “allergies” or rhinitis. Rhinitis is one of the most common conditions in the U.S., affecting over 50 million people. Typical symptoms include sneezing, watery/runny nose (also called rhinorrhea), nasal congestion (stuffy nose), and nasal itching. Not all rhinitis is caused by allergies, but when it is, it is commonly referred to as “allergic rhinitis” or hay fever. Allergic rhinitis may be seasonal or perennial (year-round). About 10-30 percent of adults and up to 40 percent of children may suffer from allergic rhinitis. When it is seasonal, common triggers may be from tree, grass, or weed pollens. If it is year-round, it may be triggered by dust mites, cockroaches, animal proteins, or spores from fungi. Patients who have allergic rhinitis are also at a higher risk of having asthma or atopic dermatitis. Having uncontrolled rhinitis may make it easier to