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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"What is allergic rhinitis allergic to?"

Allergic rhinitis is a type of pathological reactive disease that occurs in the nasal area. The allergens of allergic rhinitis usually require examination, and there are many methods of examination, such as skin prick tests, hat tests, etc. According to the epidemiological survey of allergens for allergic rhinitis, the main allergens include allergies to dust mites, pollen, and ragweed. In the eastern coastal regions, allergies to dust mites are more common, while in the north and west, allergies to ragweed are more frequent. During the spring season, pollen allergies are relatively common.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngology department. Currently, allergic rhinitis is mainly due to an imbalance in one's own immune system, which, upon contact with external allergens, triggers an allergic reaction in the body. It is a relatively common nasal disease, hence the recommendation to visit an otorhinolaryngology department. Regarding examinations, allergen testing and nasal endoscopy are required. The main purpose is to identify the relevant allergens and to determine the presence of any neoplasms in the nasal and nasopharyngeal areas, such as nasal polyps. In terms of treatment, it primarily involves medication. Currently, the treatment mainly considers the use of oral medications and nasal spray medications for allergy treatment. Additionally, the use of saline to rinse the nasal cavity can be considered, along with regular follow-ups. However, overall, most patients with allergic rhinitis focus on controlling the condition, as it is difficult to completely cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are numerous. Common clinical symptoms include repetitive itching of the nose, runny nose, and sneezing, which can occur consecutively several times and are directly triggered by contact with allergens. Common allergens include dust, pollen, seafood, and pets. If the allergic reaction is severe, contact with these allergens can quickly trigger the aforementioned clinical symptoms, characterized by sudden onset of nose itching, clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. In terms of treatment, oral medications and nasal sprays are primarily used. A small portion of patients might consider desensitization therapy or surgical treatment, but it is generally difficult to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Permanent cure for allergic rhinitis

Currently, most cases of allergic rhinitis are difficult to cure completely. According to existing medical methods and research, if it's solely a mite allergy, some patients can consider undergoing desensitization treatment, which involves taking medication subcutaneously or sublingually over a long period, approximately two to three years. Overall, some patients can achieve a cure, but if it's other allergies or if the allergen cannot be clearly identified with current medical methods, the primary approach is control of symptoms using conventional medications. Whether it's medical treatment or surgical intervention, it's still difficult to achieve a complete cure. Thus, generally speaking, the treatment of most cases of allergic rhinitis focuses on control and alleviation.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to completely cure allergic rhinitis?

For allergic rhinitis, most patients mainly focus on controlling and stabilizing the condition, and only a small portion of them can be completely cured, mainly those who are solely allergic to mites. It is advisable to first undergo allergy testing. If the test results show only a simple mite allergy, and the allergic reaction is severe (exceeding three levels), desensitization treatment could be considered. Currently, this mainly involves sublingual immunotherapy or subcutaneous injections. Most patients can achieve clinical cure with this treatment; however, a minority may only experience relief without achieving complete cure. Overall, for allergic rhinitis, most patients cannot be completely cured. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)