Nasal Allergy Symptoms

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If your child has symptoms—nasal congestion, sneezing and an itchy or runny nose—but does not have a cold, he or she may be 1 of the 40 percent of American children with nasal allergies. The symptoms are caused by your child's immune system responding to a common allergen—such as mold, pet dander, pollen, or dust mites.

It's important to try to identify the source of your child's nasal allergy symptoms, so you may want to use a log to keep track of when your child's symptoms start and when they worsen. The trigger could be something at home, in the car, or outdoors, or it could be something at school.

Hidden Clues to Children's Allergies

Some signs of nasal allergies are obvious, but others are not. Since younger children cannot always tell you about their symptoms, and teenagers may not, be aware of some clues that could point to a nasal allergy problem in your child.

For example, children who have numerous ear infections may also have chronic nasal allergies. Ask your doctor or pediatrician if this may be the case with your child. In addition, certain behavioral changes, such as irritability, or poor performance at school, may also have nasal allergies at their root.