Persistent runny nose

We are on week 7 of my 3 year-old son's nose running every single day, on
and off throughout the day and night, with the mucus being completely clear
and no symptoms of a cold or other illness. We have had a blood test for
common allergies that his pediatrician says shows he is "not even remotely
allergic" to any of them, and he has no other symptoms of allery such as
sneezing or itchy eyes. The dr. says it is likely "non-allergic vasomotor
rhinitis" and is going to refer us to an ear, nose and throat specialist
after the holidays.

So, has anyone had any experience with this? Can you recommend any
over-the-counter products, like a nasal spray, to temporarily stop the
runnies? No matter how many times I tell people that he isn't sick, he
still gets treated like a leper when we are around other kids, especially
with the flu fear in full swing. I want him to enjoy being with his little
cousins this Christmas without worrying everyone, so even a temporary
respite from this will be a blessing.

Thanks for any advice,

Katrina

I get the same thing when I go out in the cold. The enviornment causes a
runny nose. See the ENT doc, but don't worry about it.

Jeff

"D&K Condron" wrote in message ...
We are on week 7 of my 3 year-old son's nose running every single day, on
and off throughout the day and night, with the mucus being completely clear
and no symptoms of a cold or other illness. We have had a blood test for
common allergies that his pediatrician says shows he is "not even remotely
allergic" to any of them, and he has no other symptoms of allery such as
sneezing or itchy eyes. The dr. says it is likely "non-allergic vasomotor
rhinitis" and is going to refer us to an ear, nose and throat specialist
after the holidays.

So, has anyone had any experience with this? Can you recommend any
over-the-counter products, like a nasal spray, to temporarily stop the
runnies? No matter how many times I tell people that he isn't sick, he
still gets treated like a leper when we are around other kids, especially
with the flu fear in full swing. I want him to enjoy being with his little
cousins this Christmas without worrying everyone, so even a temporary
respite from this will be a blessing.

Thanks for any advice,

Katrina


IMHO, blood tests for allergies are not accurate enough to be trusted.
Skin testing is better.

It sounds like your tyke has either allergic rhinitis or vasomotor
rhinitis. You might ask your son's pediatrician about an
azelastine-containing nasal spray. Off the top of my head, that's the
only pharmacologic agent I know of that is approved for both
causes...don't know if it's used in 3 year olds though. The brand
name is Astelin in the U.S. (No, I don't own stock

Mark, MD

On 18 Dec 2003 23:57:16 -0800, (Mark) wrote:

"D&K Condron" wrote in message ...
We are on week 7 of my 3 year-old son's nose running every single day, on
and off throughout the day and night, with the mucus being completely clear
and no symptoms of a cold or other illness. We have had a blood test for
common allergies that his pediatrician says shows he is "not even remotely
allergic" to any of them, and he has no other symptoms of allery such as
sneezing or itchy eyes. The dr. says it is likely "non-allergic vasomotor
rhinitis" and is going to refer us to an ear, nose and throat specialist
after the holidays.

So, has anyone had any experience with this? Can you recommend any
over-the-counter products, like a nasal spray, to temporarily stop the
runnies? No matter how many times I tell people that he isn't sick, he
still gets treated like a leper when we are around other kids, especially
with the flu fear in full swing. I want him to enjoy being with his little
cousins this Christmas without worrying everyone, so even a temporary
respite from this will be a blessing.

IMHO, blood tests for allergies are not accurate enough to be trusted.
Skin testing is better.

Indeed.

It sounds like your tyke has either allergic rhinitis or vasomotor
rhinitis. You might ask your son's pediatrician about an
azelastine-containing nasal spray. Off the top of my head, that's the
only pharmacologic agent I know of that is approved for both
causes...don't know if it's used in 3 year olds though. The brand
name is Astelin in the U.S. (No, I don't own stock

It's FDA-approved for 5 years and up for allergic rhinits, and 12
years and up for vasomotor rhinitis. I'd probably avoid it in a
3-year-old since drowsiness might be a significant problem.

For immediate, short-term relief I would suggest Afrin, but check with
your doctor first. Long-term maintenance may be achieved with an
intranasal corticosteroid although this is less likely to be
successful for vasomotor rhinitis than for allergic rhinitis.

PF