They include repetitive sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye itching. Persistent coughing is a very common symptom of postnasal drip caused by allergies. Two signs in a child that can be suggestive of allergies are a crease on the nasal bridge caused by persistent rubbing of an itchy nose. Also blackening under the eye are termed allergic shiners. These can be suggestive of allergies, but a child can have allergic shiners without having allergies.
Allergies are very common in the United States.
After the pediatrician determines that the symptoms are more likely due to allergies, the question becomes how do we treat. These do not cause any symptoms with behavior. Some pediatricians are using these nonsedating antihistamines before FDA approval in children between 2-6 years of age. We also have new medicines that are used in a nasal spray. These are anti-inflammatory medications, those that contain cromalyn sodium which prevents inflammation of the nose.