How to treat allergic rhinitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Allergic rhinitis refers to a pathological reactive disease of the nasal cavity caused by an allergy to certain substances. The main clinical treatments for allergic rhinitis include the following points: First, it is essential to avoid contact with the allergens that cause allergic rhinitis as much as possible. Second, medication treatment is implemented, mainly antiallergic drugs such as loratadine and cetirizine. Additionally, local use of corticosteroid nasal sprays is used for treatment. Third, specific desensitization treatment can be carried out, mainly for mite allergies. Fourth, some surgical interventions can be performed, such as surgery to correct the nasal framework and turbinate reduction treatment for enlarged inferior turbinates, or corrective treatment for a deviated nasal septum. These treatments are auxiliary and help improve allergic rhinitis but are not direct treatments for the condition. (Medication usage should be based on specific circumstances and under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Manifestations of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a type of hypersensitivity disease, with clinical symptoms primarily presented in the nasal cavity. Its main manifestations are nasal congestion, nasal itching, abundant clear nasal discharge, continuous paroxysmal sneezing, and reduced sense of smell. If the allergies in allergic rhinitis are not effectively controlled, the allergic symptoms may progress downward, potentially leading to allergic pharyngitis, characterized by an itchy throat, dry cough, and hoarse voice. If it continues to develop further, it can lead to allergic asthma. This is clinically referred to as "one airway, one disease." Therefore, it is crucial to actively intervene and provide appropriate treatment for allergic rhinitis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Allergic rhinitis should be seen in the department of otolaryngology.

It is recommended to see an otolaryngologist for allergic rhinitis, as it is a relatively common nasal disease. The clinical symptoms include an itchy nose, runny clear nasal discharge, and frequent sneezing. Regarding treatment, it mainly involves oral medications and nasal sprays, specifically targeted anti-allergy treatments, and allergen screening can also be conducted. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid contact with allergens as much as possible. For patients who are solely allergic to mites, desensitization treatments can be considered, which may effectively cure the condition in some patients, although individual differences exist.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is allergic rhinitis easy to treat?

Allergic rhinitis is a relatively common disease in otolaryngology, and overall, its treatment is quite simple. Most patients consider pharmacotherapy, primarily consisting of oral medications and nasal sprays, which are targeted anti-allergy treatments. After pharmacological treatment, most patients can effectively control their condition and alleviate symptoms. However, in general, allergic rhinitis is mainly managed rather than cured, as curing it is quite difficult. It is advisable to undergo allergen testing and avoid contact with allergens in daily life as much as possible. For patients who are solely allergic to mites, there is an opportunity for desensitization therapy, which can potentially cure a portion of patients. Nevertheless, whether through pharmacotherapy or desensitization therapy, a large number of patients cannot be completely cured. Therefore, the focus is mainly on controlling and stabilizing the condition. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

Allergic rhinitis is a type of hypersensitivity reaction occurring in our nasal cavity. It is an immunological disease, not caused by bacterial or viral infections, so it is definitely not contagious. However, in real life, it may create an appearance of being contagious. For example, if one family member develops allergic rhinitis, other family members might also start showing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This is mainly because all family members live in the same environment, which might be the allergen-triggering environment. Essentially, allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitivity disease and is not contagious. It’s just that living in the same environment, everyone may develop this disease, but it is not transmitted from one person to another.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to check for allergens in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be screened for allergens. Currently, allergy testing is mainly conducted through two methods. The first method is blood testing, and the second method is a skin prick test. Blood testing is more commonly used and typically involves various allergens, such as dust, pollen, pets, hair, and it could also be due to allergies to seafood or mold, plants. Both skin prick tests and blood tests can be used. If one method does not provide sufficiently clear results, both types of allergen tests can be performed simultaneously for a more accurate comparison.