Although sometimes mistakenly viewed as a trivial disease, allergic rhinitis can have a significant adverse impact on health in children as well as adults. The roundtable, sponsored by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals, was organized to build awareness of pediatric allergic rhinitis among physicians and parents and to discuss optimal treatment strategies.
Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease in children.
The disease is triggered in susceptible children by allergic reactions to pollen, mold, dust mites and other offending allergens. In children, as in adults, allergic rhinitis causes symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, runny or itchy nose, and sneezing, all of which may range in severity from annoying to debilitating. Children suffering from the disease may not sleep well or look well, which can lower their self-esteem, especially during adolescence. An estimated 1.5 million school days are lost each year due to allergic rhinitis. Even when children are at school, poorly treated allergic rhinitis can diminish their ability to learn, concentrate, and interact socially.