Caring for Your Child With Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Kids with non-allergic rhinitis get stuffy or runny noses but they don't have allergies or an infection.

The lining of the nose, called the mucous membrane, helps protect the lungs from germs, pollen, and dust. It does this by making mucus (snot) that traps small particles and germs. Mucus usually flows to the back of the throat and is swallowed.

Rhinitis means inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the nose. An inflamed nose makes a lot of mucus, so someone with rhinitis will have a runny or stuffy nose. He or she may sneeze a lot and have postnasal drip (mucus that runs down the throat).

In kids, allergies or infections (like a cold or the flu) are the most common causes of rhinitis. Rhinitis from other causes is called non-allergic rhinitis. It may be triggered by changes in temperature or humidity; exercise; strong odors, pollution, or smoke; or by eating spicy or hot foods. Some kids get non-allergic rhinitis due to hormonal changes during puberty or the menstrual cycle. Certain medications also make kids more likely to get non-allergic rhinitis. When a kid has non-allergic rhinitis, the nose makes extra mucus, and symptoms can be constant or they can come and go.

After asking questions and examining your child, the health care professional has found that your child has non-allergic rhinitis.

Treatment may include staying away from things that trigger symptoms, such as strong odors, smoke, certain foods, and certain medicines. Your health care professional may also recommend nose rinses to remove mucus and reduce congestion, nose sprays to decrease inflammation and irritation, or decongestants.

• Give your child any prescribed medicine as directed by your health care professional.

• Use saline nose sprays, nose rinses, or saltwater drops as recommended.

• Talk with your health care professional before using any over-the-counter nasal spray to treat your child's symptoms. Using certain nose sprays too often can make symptoms worse.

• Encourage your child to blow his or her nose as needed.

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.

• Use a cool mist humidifier to help loosen mucus and relieve congestion. Clean and dry the humidifier after every use so that bacteria and mold do not grow.

Your child:

• Starts to have frequent nosebleeds.

• Develops headaches, facial pain, or tenderness.

• Has ear pain.

• Has a fever.

• Doesn't improve after several weeks of treatment.

• Develops new symptoms.