Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis: Otolaryngology Perspective

Pediatric nasal obstruction is among the most common reasons for referral to pediatric otolaryngologists. During the neonatal period and infancy, congenital causes are the most common causes of nasal obstruction, while in the pediatric age group in advanced ages, allergic, inflammatory, and infectious rhinitis come to the fore as the primary causes. Allergic causes are not considered in the foreground in nasal congestion in the first 2 years of age, mainly since there is insufficient time for allergen exposure. The presence of at least two of the complaints of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching accompanying the inflammation of the nasal epithelium is sufficient for diagnosing rhinitis. Similar complaints may also occur in the presence of adenoid hypertrophy, acute and chronic sinusitis, deviation of the septum, or nasal polyp, which are other causes of nasal obstruction. Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease of childhood and hurts the quality of life regarding physical, social, and psychological well-being. Allergic rhinitis leads to impaired sleep, daytime sleepiness, concentration impairment, and impaired cognitive functions, decreasing school success and impairing the quality of life for the child and the family. Allergic rhinitis is frequently caused by IgE-mediated early and late-phase hypersensitivity response to inhalant allergens.