How to deal with nasal congestion and breathing difficulties caused by rhinitis

In general, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties caused by rhinitis may be due to environmental irritants, dry nasal passages, allergic rhinitis, chronic simple rhinitis, or chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, or surgical interventions. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Environmental irritants: Exposure to irritants such as dust, pollen, or cold air can cause nasal mucosa to become congested and swollen, leading to nasal blockage. Avoid irritating environments, wear a mask when outdoors to filter impurities, and use an indoor air purifier to improve air quality and reduce nasal mucosal irritation, thus alleviating nasal congestion.

2. Dry nasal passages: Low air humidity and insufficient water intake can cause dryness of the nasal mucosa, leading to crusted secretions that block the nasal passages. Use a saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation device to rinse the nasal cavity, keeping it moist. Additionally, increase indoor humidity and drink 1500–2000 ml of water daily to improve nasal dryness.

3. Allergic rhinitis: Exposure to allergens triggers an immune response, causing nasal mucosal edema that blocks the airway, often accompanied by sneezing and runny nose. Patients should follow medical advice to use anti-allergy medications such as budesonide nasal spray, mometasone furoate nasal spray, or loratadine tablets to reduce allergic reactions and nasal mucosal swelling.

4. Chronic simple rhinitis: Long-term chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa causes alternating nasal congestion, which worsens in cold conditions or after fatigue. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as赛洛唑啉 nasal spray (hydrochloride), hydroxymethylzoline nasal drops, or Tongqiao Biyan tablets to relieve nasal congestion.

5. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis: Nasal obstruction caused by hypertrophy and thickening of the nasal mucosa often does not respond well to medication. If conservative treatments prove ineffective, a partial turbinectomy may be performed to remove part of the enlarged inferior turbinate bone and mucous membrane, thereby expanding the nasal passage and improving airflow.

Maintaining nasal hygiene in daily life is important; avoid picking the nose to prevent mucosal damage. Follow a light diet, reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods, engage in appropriate exercise to enhance immunity, and reduce the frequency of rhinitis recurrence to maintain normal nasal breathing function.