Managing allergic rhinitis in children and young people

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects everyone differently. It can be a perennial (year-round) or seasonal condition and many children and young people are affected by both forms. Perennial allergic rhinitis is triggered by indoor allergens and although symptoms can be persistent throughout the year, they are often worse in winter when we spend more time indoors and exposure to indoor allergens is greater. Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs at various points of the year depending on what the individual is allergic to. As we enter spring and summer, we all look forward to warmer weather, longer days and spending more time outdoors. But for children and young people with seasonal allergic rhinitis, these months can be truly miserable and come just at the time when they should be getting fresh air, exercise and having fun with friends and family.

This article will evaluate the impact of allergic rhinitis on children and young people, and consider how practice nurses and other primary healthcare professionals can make use of practice routines to improve health and wider outcomes for children and young people.