My daughter is constantly sniffing

[helpmeout06]

She has mild eczema on her arms and my GP says the sniffing is possibly an allergy connected to the eczema, I noticed the sniffing in the summer and assumed it was hay fever, but winter is here and it's still going on, she was given an inhaler and more recently Loratadine medicine, none of them have made any difference, I'm wondering if this is just a habit she has developed?

[joggerjayne]

It can be.

You can get used to that "just sniffed" feeling, so that you keep on sniffing, even when there's nothing to sniff.

It can just become an unconscious habit. The person doing it isn't even aware that they do it.

[jack daniels]

it could be a habit but she could be allergic to dust in the air - hence doing it in the winter too

[jack daniels]

Hi JJ (((((hugs))))) - having a nice weekend?

[sqad617]

JJ could well be right, but just to exclude the allergy bit, does her nose actually run (water) and are her handkerchieves wet?
Both if positive, indicative of allergy.

[joggerjayne]

Hi jack D.

Ya, quite fun, actually.

Chilling out a bit today.

Hope yours is nice too. x

[helpmeout06]

No her nose does not run, I always give her tissues , but she says she does not need them as there is nothing there to blow.

[sqad617]

Thanks helpme, certainly sounds like a habit then.

[helpmeout06]

Thanks sqad, I think so too, just not sure how to stop her doing it, I'm quite worried to be honest.

[Scarlett]

If she has eczema the chances are she is allergic to something. If your skin on your outside is reacting adversely to something, the chances are the skin on your inside is too- inside your nose etc where allergens come in, or inside your lungs where you breathe them in (asthma).
You need to work out what she is allergic to. Most people with eczema are helped by eliminating dairy. I was exactly like your daughter for my whole childhood- hanky in hand, sniffing, asthma and eczema. I did Carol Vorderman's detox and ALL the crap that was in my system came out. I felt dreadful- like I had flu- for 3 days, but then all of a sudden all my allergic symptoms went away and I could breathe through my nose for the first time ever!

It's worth a try but you have to do it or not do it. Half heartedly will not work. No milk or whey etc.

[helpmeout06]

Thanks Scarlett, I tried taking dairy products out of her diet, but my GP said not to because of her age, I think I will have to get an allergy test peformed, she was offered one, but was scared to have blood taken, looks like we have no choice now, thanks again.

[sqad617]

Good idea about the blood test. I agree with your Dr. that food elimination tests in the young may be dangerous. Food allergies MAY account for the eczema, but not nasal allergies.
Ceck that she is not lying on a feather pillow or duck down matress.

[Scarlett]

My nasal problems totally cleared up after I stopped eating dairy.

[shazam74]

You don`t mention your daughters age, and I really don`t want to alarm you... really, but does she frequent dance halls etc where she may be getting into bad company. You know what I`m getting at so please don`t be offended if I upset you, but it may be. Dare I say it? Cocaine has this affect. I sincerely hope I`m wrong.

[sqad617]

shazam74...good point.

[chrisrob]

Just come upon this thread. Sorry to be so late.
Sniffing could be due to post nasal drip which can be attributable to many things. Consultants initially thought mine was due to polyps and I was told to sniff and swallow as blowing the mucus through the nose can damage the tissues. But it's not polite and unpleasant for others if I sniff. (My PND is actually caused by GERD.)

[foodluva]

I have an all year round allergy (rhinitis) which blocks my nose (my nose doesn't run). I need to take a steroid nasal spray which my doctor prescribes. I wouldn't write it off as a habit yet. Maybe she should take the allergy test.

[helpmeout06]

shazam74 thanks for your concern, but my daughter is 9.