Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

56sec

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Is allergic rhinitis hereditary?

Allergic rhinitis indeed may have a certain genetic predisposition, but it is not absolute. Generally, it is associated with an imbalance in one's immune system. In terms of treatment, it is necessary first to perform an allergen test to identify specific allergens and try to avoid exposure to them in daily life. One can also consider medication, commonly using nasal sprays and oral medications, primarily targeted antiallergic treatment to control and alleviate the condition and stabilize symptoms. However, generally speaking, most patients cannot be completely cured. If both parents have allergic rhinitis, there is a relatively higher likelihood of passing it on to their children. Therefore, timely prevention and appropriate treatment measures are also necessary. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

45sec

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What are the allergens of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease with various clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms include itchy nose, clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. It is advisable to consider allergen testing. Common allergens in clinical settings include seafood, cats, dogs, pollen, and there may also be dust, mugwort, and pigweed. There is generally significant individual variation, and clear identification can be acquired through skin prick tests or blood tests. Once identified, it is necessary to avoid contact with the allergens in daily life as much as possible. Additionally, if the clinical symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to combine oral medications and nasal sprays for targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

1min

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Do allergic rhinitis need to be treated?

Allergic rhinitis generally requires treatment, but it also needs to be combined with clinical symptoms and the degree of inflammatory response. If the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are not severe and the inflammatory response is very mild, this situation may consider avoiding contact with allergens and then regularly re-examining to observe changes in the condition. If the symptoms are relatively obvious, such as frequent itching in the nose, running clear nasal discharge, sneezing, and a more severe inflammatory response, it is indeed necessary to consider timely treatment. In terms of treatment, medication is the main method, such as using oral medications and nasal spray medications for anti-allergy treatment. A small number of patients may consider desensitization treatment or surgical treatment. However, most patients still focus on controlling and alleviating the condition, and it is difficult to cure completely. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

52sec

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What is the best treatment for allergic rhinitis?

There are various treatment options for allergic rhinitis. Firstly, it is advisable to perform allergen testing. If the allergy is due to dust mites, desensitization treatment could be considered, which may completely cure some patients. If other allergens are involved, or if no specific allergens can be detected, treatment primarily involves oral medications and sprays, which is a commonly used method, but may lead to recurrent symptoms. Drug treatment mainly aims to control the condition and stabilize symptoms rather than cure them. In cases where conventional drug treatment is ineffective, surgery might be considered for a small number of patients, but it generally does not cure the condition either. Most patients focus on controlling the condition and stabilizing symptoms, requiring long-term follow-up and avoiding contact with allergens.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

48sec

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Causes of Mite Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis caused by mites is a common ailment in daily life, often occurring in southern regions, with over 90% being allergic to dust mites. Allergens can be identified through allergen tests. Patients with allergic rhinitis often experience a series of symptoms such as nasal itchiness, runny nose, and sneezing. After confirming an allergy to dust mites, it is important to frequently wash and sun-dry bedding in daily life, keep bed hygiene products clean, and prevent mite breeding that triggers allergic rhinitis. If an allergic rhinitis episode occurs, the patient can use steroid nasal sprays and oral antiallergic medications to control the onset of allergic rhinitis. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)