[Cough and malaise in young children due to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis]

A Baatenburg de Jong1, J P te Rijdt, P L P Brand

  • 1Isala Klinieken, Postbus I0.500, 8000 GM Zwolle. p.l.p.brand@isala.nl

Insights

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, often seen in adults, can affect children presenting with cough. Early diagnosis and treatment with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids effectively manage symptoms in young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Allergology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is typically diagnosed in adolescents and adults.
  • Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and itchy red eyes (hay fever).

Observation:

  • Four children, aged 3.5 to 10 years, presented with cough and general discomfort.
  • Clinical examination confirmed signs of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
  • Blood tests identified house dust mite allergy as the cause.

Findings:

  • Symptoms significantly improved after treatment with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.
  • This highlights the effectiveness of standard treatments in pediatric cases.

Implications:

  • Recognizing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children with atypical symptoms like cough is crucial.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment can alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life in affected children.

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:16

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants01:27

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...