Allergic rhinitis symptoms

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on October 25, 2024
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Allergic rhinitis is a common disease in otolaryngology, often occurring throughout the year. It can be categorized into perennial allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Perennial allergic rhinitis may be related to dust, talcum powder, dust mites, or animal dander, among others. Seasonal rhinitis is often associated with hay fever. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the type of allergic rhinitis based on the patient's season of onset and the allergens involved. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose, and itchy eyes. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs throughout the year, whereas pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, or seasonal rhinitis, tends to have more severe symptoms during the blooming season of spring.

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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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How to Diagnose Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a common and frequently occurring disease clinically. The definite diagnosis of allergic rhinitis primarily relies on the following points: First, the medical history, such as a history of living in an allergenic environment or a family history, along with a past history of the condition. Second, the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis, such as rhinitis, paroxysmal sneezing, a large amount of clear watery nasal discharge, and upon nasal examination, the nasal mucosa appears pale and swollen with clear watery discharge present in the nasal cavity. Additionally, supportive examinations can reveal an increase in eosinophils or lymphocytes in the complete blood count, or the detection of allergens, and specific IgE tests, etc. With these medical histories, clinical symptom manifestations, and supportive examinations, allergic rhinitis can be definitively diagnosed.

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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 diagnose allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms are itchy nose, clear runny nose, and sneezing. In terms of examination, an allergen test can first be conducted to help identify the specific types of allergens. Currently, a skin prick test or blood test can be considered; both methods can determine the specific allergens. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid these as much as possible. Secondly, a nasopharyngoscope examination should be conducted. Through the nasopharyngoscope examination, the extent of the inflammatory response inside the nasal cavity can be determined. At the same time, it also helps to investigate other diseases in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
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.)