Allergic Rhinitis

Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs due to allergens that are present all year. These perennial allergens are usually found inside a home and include: 

• House dust mites
• Molds
• Animal dander 
• Cockroach droppings

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (sometimes referred to as seasonal allergies) occurs due to:

• Tree pollen. This pollen appears from the early spring to the beginning of summer.
• Grass pollen. This pollen usually appears in late May through early July. 
• Weed pollen. This pollen usually appears in July through the second frost in the fall or winter. 

There is also an outdoor mold season that takes place in the typically damp month of April and again in August.

It usually takes two frosts to get rid of outdoor allergens. These time frames apply to Indiana and may vary depending on where you live.

Allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms in the nose, throat, ears and roof of the mouth. The same allergy triggers that affect the nose can also affect the eyes. This leads to itchy, red, watery eyes, known as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergies of the eyes and nose are called allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis may include:

• Sneezing fits
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose
• Nosebleeds
• Red, watery and itchy eyes

Children with allergic rhinitis may also clear their throats often or breathe through their mouths. Allergic rhinitis can also cause the tongue or the roof of the mouth to feel itchy. In some cases, you may notice your child making a clicking sound as he or she tries to relieve this itching by pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

Many parents notice that their children are more tired than usual during allergy season. If your child has allergic rhinitis, it can affect the quality of his or her sleep.

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

To diagnose allergic rhinitis, pediatric allergists at Riley at IU Health ask you questions about your child’s health history and symptoms. The doctor will also do a physical exam. Allergy testing (skin tests) may be needed to learn which specific allergens are causing your child’s symptoms. If the allergy tests are all negative, irritants in the environment such as tobacco smoke or pollution may be playing a role.