What are the causes?

Perennial allergic rhinitis usually starts in early childhood and occurs all year round. It's caused by allergy to the droppings of house dust mites or pet skin flakes. Occasionally indoor mould spores and, in rare cases, food allergy can be causes. There is often a family predisposition to developing rhinitis and other allergies.

What are the symptoms?

The following symptoms can be observed:

• symptoms of a 'permanent cold'

• blocked stuffy nose

• headaches and earache

• constant sore throats and postnasal drip

• sleep disturbances and snoring

• loss of taste and smell

• poor concentration.

   

What is the treatment?

Low-dose steroid nasal sprays and nose drops are the most effective treatment, but need to be used continuously on a daily basis throughout the year. Decongestant tablets and sprays will help relieve a stuffy, blocked nose with catarrh but should be used for short periods only.

Anti-histamine medication may help, but it's more effective for hayfever. Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops are usually ineffective in perennial allergic rhinitis. Ipratropium nasal sprays treat the constantly 'dripping' nose of rhinitis.

At Homerton, we offer skin and blood tests and examinations to diagnose rhinitis in children aged between 0 and 16 years. If rhinitis is diagnosed we will advise them, their parents or guardian and their GP of appropriate treatments, which can include nasal and oral medications. We will also monitor children on an ongoing basis as necessary.

If a child has a case of severe allergic rhinitis we can, in certain circumstances, offer immunotherapy “desensitisation” therapy. More information can be found here.

What can be done to prevent perennial allergic rhinitis?

The only sure way to prevent perennial allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes it. Allergy testing is most important to identify the exact indoor allergen that provokes the allergy. See allergy tests for further information.

Making an appointment

A GP referral is needed to attend this clinic.

Appointment enquiries

For appointment enquiries contact the outpatients department on 020 8510 5544.

How to contact us

For general information about child allergy:

Shelly Hibberd - Paediatric Allergy Nurse 020 8510 5976 – not for appointments. 

Key staff

Yvonne Polydorou
Senior paediatric dietician

Susie Tinker
Paediatric Dermatology Nurse Specialist with a special interest in eczema

Andrew Williams
Consultant nurse - allergy 

Dr Rajiv Sood
Consultant paediatrician and with a special interest in allergy