For a child with allergic rhinitis, what outcome puts the child at the highest risk?

In children with allergic rhinitis, the outcome that places them at the highest risk is an asthma attack. Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely related; one condition can exacerbate the other. When a child has allergic rhinitis, exposure to allergens can lead to increased airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, which can trigger an asthma attack. Children who experience allergic rhinitis are at a greater risk for developing asthma and experiencing exacerbations.

An asthma attack can have immediate and severe consequences, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, and even respiratory failure in severe cases. Managing allergic rhinitis effectively is crucial not only for alleviating nasal symptoms but also for preventing asthma-related complications. Thus, focusing on preventing asthma attacks in children with allergic rhinitis is paramount for their overall health and safety.

While impaired sleep, decreased school performance, and irritability are concerning outcomes that can result from allergies, their immediate impact on the child's health is less acute compared to the risk of an asthma attack. The potential severity and immediacy of an asthma attack make it the primary concern in this context.