Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which your immune (germ fighting) system overreacts to something in the environment that is usually harmless, like pollen, dust, or pet dander. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, and sore throat.

Sometimes allergic rhinitis happens only at certain times of the year when the allergen (something that causes allergies) is in the air. This is called seasonal allergies or "hay fever." Allergic rhinitis can also happen year-round if someone is allergic to animals or indoor allergens.

Treatment for allergic rhinitis includes avoiding the allergens when possible and using medicines. If needed, other treatments are available.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for giving your child any medicines by mouth or using any nose sprays or eye drops.

• To help with pollen allergies (from grass, weeds, and trees):
  • Check daily pollen and mold spore counts posted by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's National Allergy Bureau™ at pollen.aaaai.org. If possible, have your child stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
  • When outside, have your child wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to keep pollen from getting into their eyes and nose.
  • To remove pollen after being outside, have your child use a saline nose rinse, wash their hands, and change their clothes when they come inside.
  • Have your child shower and wash hair before getting into bed.
  • Don't put laundry outside to dry.
  • Keep windows and doors closed and use air-conditioning to keep pollen out of the home.
  • Change air-conditioning filters often.
• To help with indoor allergies (such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold spores):
  • Put pillows, mattresses, and box springs in allergen-proof covers.
  • Wash bedding weekly in hot water and dry on a high heat setting.
  • Remove stuffed animals from your child's bed. For playtime, washable stuffed animals are best. Wash often in hot water and dry completely.
  • Vacuum often (but when your child isn't home, so that you avoid dust particles coming into the air when vacuuming). Ideally, use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. That helps prevent tiny allergen particles from getting in the air while you vacuum.
  • Remove carpeting and drapes if possible. Clean any throw rugs frequently.
  • Exterminate cockroaches, mice, and rats.
  • Get rid of mold. Cleaning products may work on small areas, but larger areas need professional treatment. Repair any water leaks to help prevent future mold.
  • If you have a pet, keep them out of your child's bedroom. Don't let your child put their face near the pet's fur or saliva. Have your child wash their hands after touching the pet.

• Allergy symptoms don't improve after taking medicine and avoiding allergy triggers.
• A medicine that had been working for your child no longer seems to help.
• Your child gets a fever, headache, ear pain, or other new symptoms. These could be a sign of an infection and not allergies.
• Your child is having nosebleeds, which can sometimes happen with allergic rhinitis or when giving nasal sprays to treat hay fever.

Your child has signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as throat tightening, tongue or lip tingling or swelling, or trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking.

What causes allergy symptoms? The immune system protects you from germs and other harmful substances by recognizing them, fighting them off, and remembering them to prevent future attacks. When the immune system comes into contact with an allergen, the body releases chemicals such as histamine that cause allergy symptoms.

How do I know what my child is allergic to? Your health care provider or an allergist (doctor who specializes in allergies) can do blood or skin prick tests to see what your child is allergic to.

What if my child's allergies don't get better with treatment? If your child doesn't get better, they can see an allergist for more options. The allergist may suggest that your child try different medicines or allergy shots. Allergy shots help your child's immune system react less to allergens.