Rhinitis in children

Abstract

Rhinitis (RN) is inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, manifested by impaired patency, pruritus, sneezing and the presence of secretions. Depending on the mechanism of creation of an inflammatory reaction, RN is divided into: (1) allergic rhinitis (AR) and (2) nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), and in case of their overlap, it is said to be (3) mixed (MR). The basis for the diagnosis of NN are: physical examination and interview (including ENT) and properly selected auxiliary research. The fundamental approach in RN in children is: education of patients and their parents, avoiding exposure to irritants (including allergens), nasal irrigation, air humidification and proper hydration of the child, and pharmacotherapy, and in selected cases of ARN, also allergen specific immunotherapy. The basis of pharmacotherapy in RN are intranasal glucocorticoids (dnGKS) and second-generation antihistamines, although their efficacy in NAR is lower than in AR. Due to the high incidence and adverse consequences, such as: decreased quality of life, sleep and mood disorders, deterioration in school education and relationship with other diseases, including: asthma, adenoid hypertrophy, conjunctivitis, chronic inflammation of paranasal sinuses and otitis media, RN is an important clinical problem. It is necessary to further investigate the issue to better understand this problem and to avoid its negative consequences, especially in the paediatric population.