Manifestations of Allergic Rhinitis

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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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Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Differences between Allergic Rhinitis and the Common Cold

The differences between allergic rhinitis and the common cold are very clear. Allergic rhinitis lasts longer and causes patients to experience sudden bouts of sneezing in the morning, continuous clear nasal discharge, bilateral nasal congestion, and also includes symptoms such as itchy eyes and nasal issues. On the other hand, the common cold generally lasts for a shorter period and is usually caused by a virus or bacteria due to lowered immunity, leading to both systemic and local symptoms. Patients with a cold may experience fever, dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, muscle soreness, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and coughing. In terms of treatment, allergic rhinitis requires symptomatic anti-allergy treatment, while the common cold needs symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment and generally improves gradually over about a week, whereas allergic rhinitis requires a longer process.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat allergic rhinitis?

The treatment of allergic rhinitis is currently mainly divided into three categories: The first category is pharmacotherapy, the second is desensitization therapy, and the third is surgical treatment. Pharmacotherapy generally focuses on nasal sprays and oral medications, which are targeted anti-allergy treatments. This method primarily controls and stabilizes the symptoms but is unlikely to provide a cure. Desensitization therapy is mainly suitable for patients who are solely allergic to mites. Some patients may achieve a cure after undergoing desensitization therapy. Surgical treatment can also be considered, but it is not the first choice. It is mainly used for patients who do not respond well to conservative medication and have particularly severe symptoms. In such cases, surgery might be considered because, whether through pharmacotherapy or surgical treatment, most patients aim primarily to control the disease rather than achieving a cure. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Otolaryngology
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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
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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.