Hay fever relief for kids at last thanks to a TGA approved combination nasal spray hay fever treatment

Great news today for Australian children aged six years and older who suffer from hay fever or other year-round allergies thanks to the TGA approval of an easy to administer nasal spray.

Combination nasal spray Ryaltris® (olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate) is now approved for Australian children aged six years and older.

Professor Richard Harvey, leading Rhinologist and Professor at both the University of NSW and Macquarie University, said that treatment may help restore patients’ ability to engage in daily activities.

“Hay fever is often considered a ‘nuisance condition’ but this is far from the experience of many patients. It can greatly impact quality of life, leading to impaired performance of daily activities, cognitive function, work and classroom productivity, poorer sleep quality and reduced psychosocial wellbeing,” said Professor Harvey.

Australia will be the first major country to approve this treatment for kids in this age group, a decision which could not come soon enough for the families of childhood sufferers.

What is hay fever?

According to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects more than 4.6 million Australians. Despite its common name, allergic rhinitis is not caused by hay and does not result in fever. It is caused by the nose or eyes coming in contact with environmental allergens, such as pollens, dust mites, moulds, and animal dander (skin cells shed by animals).

People who are sensitive to these allergens may then experience symptoms such as an itchy and runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, congestion and snoring.

Hay fever in Australian kids

More than 4.6 million Australians are affected by hay fever, with 10 percent of cases occurring in children aged 14 and under.

Children with hay fever may experience irritability, distraction, fatigue, embarrassment and increased days off school, making them more likely to have poorer grades than other students.

Australian studies have shown that children with hay fever are significantly more likely to visit their doctor for cough, respiratory tract infections and asthma and undergo more ear, nose and throat procedures than those without the condition. Children with hay fever are also nine times more likely to miss school than those without the condition and may be less willing to engage in sports and social activities.

If left untreated in children, hay fever can lead to changes in their sleep quality, dentition, facial development and can also negatively impact their cognition and academic performance. It’s also a significant risk factor for asthma.

“Hay fever is one of the most common chronic medical conditions in Australia so this approval is very welcome news for healthcare professionals and their patients,” says Associate Professor Raewyn Campbell, leading Rhinologist.

“The incidence of hay fever increases significantly between the ages of six and 11 which is a critical developmental period for children. Having more treatment options available for this group of patients is so important. In particular, a combined treatment in the form of a nasal spray can be more convenient for children and their parents than using multiple single therapies.

“Poorly controlled hay fever may be associated with a variety of complications and respiratory conditions,” said Associate Professor Raewyn Campbell.

“Children should use their noses to breathe, however those with allergic rhinitis may instead rely on mouth breathing as their noses are blocked. This can lead to changes in their sleep quality, dentition, facial development and can also negatively impact their cognition and academic performance. Hay fever also usually precedes and is a significant risk factor for asthma.”