Cough and Cold Products for Children

Decongestants, antihistamines, and other cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and small children under the age of 2, according to recent recommendations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medicines can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, including rapid heart rate, convulsions, loss of consciousness and death. The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of these over-the-counter products in children ages 2 - 11.

Breastfeeding for Allergic Rhinitis Prevention

Exclusive breastfeeding for a baby's first 4 months can help prevent the development of allergic rhinitis and other types of allergies in high-risk infants, according to new guidelines from a committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Solid foods should not be introduced before the baby is 4 - 6 months old. The committee did not find that changes in a mother's eating habits affect a baby's risk of developing allergies later in life.

Avoiding Allergy Triggers

People with allergies should try to avoid potential triggers such as:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold
• Fungi

The nose is separated into two passages by a wall of cartilage called the septum. The nasal passages are lined with a membrane that produces a clear liquid called mucus. Mucus is a one of the body's defense systems:

• The mucus traps small particles and bacteria, which may enter the nose as a person breathes.
• The trapped bacteria usually do not cause harm in healthy individuals.
• However, the bacteria can lead to a daily cycle of congestion and decongestion.
• When one side of the nose is congested, air passes through the open (decongested) side. The sides alternate between being wide-open and partly or completely blocked.

Rhinitis

If the congestion becomes severe or other changes occur that irritate the nasal passage, rhinitis develops. To be diagnosed with rhinitis, the patient must experience at least two of the following symptoms for an hour or more on most days:

• Runny nose
• Obstruction in the nasal passage
• Nasal itching
• Sneezing

Click the icon to see an image showing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

These symptoms may occur as a result of colds or environmental irritants, such as allergens, cigarette smoke, chemicals, changes in temperature, stress, exercise, or other factors.

Infectious Rhinitis. If symptoms last fewer than 6 weeks, the condition is referred to as acute rhinitis and is usually caused by a cold or infection, or temporary overexposure to environmental chemicals or pollutants. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #94: Colds and the flu.]

Chronic Rhinitis. When rhinitis lasts for a longer period, the condition is called chronic rhinitis. Allergies are often the cause, but structural problems or chronic infections could also be to blame.