MILWAUKEE (AAAAI) -- Treating allergic rhinitis as soon as symptoms occur can help children do better in school and could prevent long-term complications, such as the development of asthma or earaches, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

More than 35 million Americans have allergic rhinitis, also known as "hay fever." Because the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be mistaken for those of the common cold-frequent sneezing, a runny nose, congestion and watery eyes - it is easy to overlook the seriousness of this condition, said Richard L. Wasserman, MD, PhD, FAAAAI.

If in addition to these symptoms, however, your child has itching or symptoms lasting more than a few day a week without a fever, it generally points to allergic rhinitis.

"A family history of allergy is the greatest known risk factor for allergic rhinitis," according to Wasserman. "So chances are, if you're experiencing symptoms due to the blooming trees, grasses or weeds, your child may not have a cold at all. They may have allergies."

Importance of early diagnosis

While sometimes viewed as a trivial disease, allergic rhinitis can have a significant impact on a child's life.

"It is crucial for parents to recognize allergic rhinitis in their children and seek treatment as early as possible because it will decrease missed school days and improve their quality of life," Wasserman said.

In addition to bothersome symptoms, such as sneezing and watery eyes, performance and behavior problems at home and at school can also occur. Some of these behavior and performance problems can include irritability, temper tantrums, decreased ability to concentrate, overactive behavior and decreased academic performance.

"Untreated allergic rhinitis clearly interferes with learning. When allergies are properly treated, behavior and school performance improves," Wasserman said.

Complications can develop from untreated allergic rhinitis

Left untreated, allergic rhinitis can lead to more serious complications, such as sinusitis and otitis media, that can affect your child's health. Allergy is also a major risk factor for asthma, according to Wasserman.

Allergic Asthma

If your child has allergies, they are more likely to develop asthma. More than 70 percent of people with asthma also suffer from allergies, according to the National Institutes of Health, and research suggests that allergic triggers play a large role in triggering airway inflammation and asthma symptoms.

Allergies and allergic asthma are both allergic diseases caused by exposure to an allergic substance or allergen. Exposure to an allergen triggers an allergic cascade of events that results in a runny nose/itchy eyes (allergy) or bronchial constriction/wheezing (asthma). Asthma symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness, and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis can also develop as a complication of allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis is an infection and inflammation of the nasal sinuses-hollow cavities in the cheekbones around the eyes and behind the nose.

"Sinusitis can be caused by colds, allergies, problems with the immune system or structural problems in the nasal cavity. Left undiagnosed or untreated, sinusitis can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or brain and may last for months or even years," Wasserman said.

Otitis Media

Earaches are very common in young children and they can be caused by allergic disease. Otitis media is an infection associated with fluid in the middle ear. Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis sometimes precedes otitis media.

"Otitis media can cause temporary hearing loss," Wasserman said. "If the condition becomes chronic, and happens when the child is learning to speak, language development may be impaired."

Seeking treatment

If you suspect your child is suffering from allergies, it is important to seek treatment from your pediatrician or an allergist/immunologist. A simple office visit can confirm a diagnosis and start your child on a management plan to help ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

If complications-such as asthma, otitis media or sinusitis-arise, or if the medications your child is taking cause unwanted side effects, your pediatrician may refer you to an allergist/immunologist. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease.

"The key is getting your child's condition under control," Wasserman said. "A child may have allergies, but that doesn't mean they have to suffer with them."