What are the methods for treating rhinitis?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Treatment methods for rhinitis include Western medication, physical therapy, surgical treatment, immunotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine regulation. An individualized approach should be selected based on the type of rhinitis and severity of the condition. If rhinitis symptoms persistently worsen and affect breathing or sleep, timely medical consultation is recommended to confirm diagnosis. Commonly used medications include intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, leukotriene
Methods for treating rhinitis include Western medicine, physical therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation. Individualized treatment plans should be selected based on the type of rhinitis and severity of the condition. If rhinitis symptoms persistently worsen or affect breathing or sleep, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to confirm diagnosis.
1. Western Medicine: Commonly used medications include intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. These help reduce nasal mucosal inflammation and relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Medications should be used according to prescribed courses to avoid misuse or overuse.
2. Physical Therapy: Includes nasal irrigation and endoscope-guided negative pressure aspiration. These methods clean nasal secretions and allergens, reduce mucosal swelling, and are suitable as adjunctive treatments for allergic or infectious rhinitis.
3. Surgical Treatment: For severe rhinitis unresponsive to medication, procedures such as septoplasty (correction of deviated nasal septum) or partial inferior turbinectomy may be performed to improve nasal airflow and drainage, thereby relieving chronic nasal obstruction.
4. Immunotherapy: Involves gradual exposure to allergen extracts to increase the body's tolerance. This approach is suitable for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis and can reduce both the frequency and severity of symptom flare-ups.
5. TCM Regulation: Utilizes oral herbal medicine, acupuncture, and acupoint massage to regulate organ function, dispel wind, and open nasal passages. It serves as an effective complementary approach for improving rhinitis symptoms, especially in patients with chronic rhinitis.
In daily life, maintain good indoor ventilation and cleanliness, avoid exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, keep the nasal passages moist to prevent dryness and irritation, engage in moderate exercise to boost immunity, and minimize the risk of colds triggering rhinitis.
