How to treat allergic sinusitis
I've had allergic sinusitis for several years. Every time the season changes, I experience nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and frequent headaches, which severely affect my quality of life. Can you help me develop an effective treatment plan?
Doctor's answer (1)
The primary step in treating allergic rhinitis is to avoid contact with allergens. Patients should尽量 avoid common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander to reduce irritation of the nasal mucosa.
Medication is the main method for controlling symptoms. Commonly used medications include antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and desensitization therapy. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose; intranasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses and improve nasal congestion.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists effectively relieve nasal congestion; desensitization therapy reduces the body's allergic response through long-term, low-dose exposure to allergens, achieving long-term control. Applying a warm towel to the nose can improve local blood circulation and help alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose.
Traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture and massage can promote blood circulation and help in the recovery process by improving nasal blood flow. For patients with long-term disease and irreversible mucosal changes, surgical treatment such as maxillary sinus windowing may be considered.
During treatment, patients should also maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as keeping indoor air fresh, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, ensuring adequate sleep, and enhancing physical fitness to improve immunity and reduce disease occurrence.
