Health Science: Beware of allergic rhinitis!

Every year when the seasons change, especially after the Frost Descent solar term, some people's runny noses are like a faucet that simply cannot be stopped. Symptoms such as itchy noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing and even asthma also occur frequently. At first, I thought it was a cold, but it kept coming back after a week. At this time, you have to be careful, it is very likely that allergic rhinitis is causing the problem!

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, professional name: allergic rhinitis, abbreviated as: allergic rhinitis. As the name suggests, it is caused by contact with allergens, which causes an allergic inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa. Because it is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis and colds are very similar, mainly manifested as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in severe cases, headaches and general fatigue.

What are the triggering factors of allergic rhinitis?

Allergens in the environment can induce the production of specific IgE antibodies and react with them. They mainly include airborne allergens (also known as inhaled allergens) and food allergens, among which inhaled allergen exposure is the main cause of allergic rhinitis.

1. Inhaled allergens, including fungal spores, pollen particles, dust mites, animal excrement, etc. The concentration of such allergens is significantly correlated with the severity of symptoms of respiratory allergic diseases.

2. Food allergens. Food allergens can cause skin and digestive tract allergies, and can also cause nasal symptoms, but it is rare for them to only cause allergic rhinitis. For infants, food allergens are mainly milk and soybeans; for adults, common food allergens include peanuts, nuts, fish, eggs, milk, soybeans, apples, pears, etc.

What tests should I do if I suspect I have allergic rhinitis?

1. Physical examination: judge based on the presence or absence of typical clinical symptoms such as nasal itching, paroxysmal sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, etc. 2. Allergen test: through skin prick test and serum specific IgE test, allergy to a certain allergen can be detected, which is a commonly used diagnostic method.

3. Nasal endoscopy: Check the nasal cavity to see if the nasal mucosa appears pale or edematous.

4. Imaging examination: Some patients need to undergo this examination to determine whether they have sinusitis and assess its severity.

Allergic rhinitis drug treatment and prevention measures

Drug treatment

The main drugs currently used in clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis are:

1. Antihistamines: New oral antihistamines levocetirizine, desloratadine; nasal antihistamines (azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray and levocabastine hydrochloride nasal spray

2. Nasal glucocorticoids: mometasone furoate nasal spray, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, budesonide nasal spray

3. Anti-leukotriene drugs: Montelukast sodium, Zafirlukast

4. Mast cell membrane stabilizer: sodium cromoglycate

5. Nasal decongestants: Furoxetine nasal drops, Xylometazoline nasal spray, Oxymetazoline nasal drops

6. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody.

Due to the large individual differences, there is no absolute best, fastest, or most effective medication. In addition to commonly used over-the-counter drugs, the most appropriate medication should be selected under the guidance of a doctor in accordance with personal circumstances. Since medication is simple and effective, drug therapy is the first choice for treating this disease.

Preventive measures

The most fundamental health care measure for allergic rhinitis is to understand the substances that cause your allergies, that is, allergens, and try to avoid them. You can pay attention to the following details in your life:

1. Close the windows of your car or room during seasons with high pollen or dust levels;

2. Remove allergens, including pets, smoke, and even suspicious flowers, plants, or furniture;

3. Use an air conditioner with an air cleaning filter to remove pollen (but may not filter dust);

4. You can use a thermostat to reduce indoor humidity, preferably to below 50%.

5. Repair damp basements, vents and bathrooms, and remove indoor or balcony flowers and plants;

6. Keep the room clean and dust-free to reduce allergens. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean frequently);

7. Use non-allergenic sheets and quilts in the bedroom, such as well-sealed mattresses and pillows, and flexible sheets and pillow covers, and wash them with hot water every week; and be careful not to dry quilts and sheets outdoors, as mold and pollen can stick to the quilts;

8. Use wooden boards, floor tiles, etc. instead of carpets, especially those fixed to the floor should be removed. Do not plant flowers and plants that need constant watering, because moist soil is conducive to the growth of mold;

9. Put away your small items, such as books, record boxes, CDs, discs and furry animal toys, which are easily covered with dust and cause allergies;

10. Do not take excessive medication to relieve symptoms; if you have acid reflux, do not eat before going to bed, raise your pillow, and take antacids under the guidance of a doctor.

11. Pay attention to nasal cleanliness and clean your nasal cavity frequently.

12. Strengthen outdoor physical exercise and improve physical fitness.

13. Keep the room clean and dust-free to reduce allergens. You can clean the room frequently with a vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth.

Source: Zhao Xueyong, Gucheng Town Health Center