Kids with non-allergic rhinitis (rye-NYE-tis) get stuffy or runny noses but they don't have allergies or an infection. Here is some information to help your child feel better.

• Follow your health care provider's recommendations on:
  • what medicines to give
  • using any saline (saltwater) nose sprays, nose rinses, or drops
• Do not use any over-the-counter nose sprays unless you talk to your health care provider first. Using some types of nose sprays too often can make symptoms worse.
• Help your child stay away from things that trigger symptoms, such as strong odors, smoke, some foods, and certain medicines.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to help loosen mucus and ease congestion. Clean and dry the humidifier after every use so that bacteria and mold do not grow.

Your child:

• starts to get a lot of nosebleeds
• has mucus in the nose that is getting thicker or gets yellow or green
• develops headaches
• has facial pain or tenderness
• has ear pain
• has a fever
• doesn't get better within 2 weeks

What is rhinitis? Rhinitis means inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the nose. An inflamed nose makes a lot of mucus, so someone with rhinitis will have a runny or stuffy nose. They may sneeze a lot and have postnasal drip (mucus that runs down the throat).

What causes rhinitis? In kids, allergies or infections (like a cold or the flu) are the most common causes of rhinitis. Rhinitis from other causes is called non-allergic rhinitis. It can happen because of changes in temperature or humidity; exercise; strong odors, pollution, or smoke; or by eating spicy or hot foods. Some kids get non-allergic rhinitis due to hormonal changes during puberty or the menstrual cycle. Some types of medicines also make kids more likely to get non-allergic rhinitis.