Treatment Measures for Allergic Rhinitis
Disease description:
I have been suffering from allergic rhinitis for a long time. Whenever I come into contact with pollen or dust, I experience nasal congestion, runny nose, and uncontrollable sneezing. Is there an effective way to treat this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
The treatment of allergic rhinitis requires a comprehensive approach, mainly including avoidance of allergens, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Allergic rhinitis is a common upper respiratory tract disease primarily triggered by inhaled allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. Its clinical manifestations include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching, significantly affecting patients' quality of life.
Avoidance of allergen exposure includes minimizing contact with pets and avoiding outdoor activities during pollen seasons. Increasing physical exercise, maintaining good作息 (作息 translates to作息 habits or作息 routine), and avoiding excessive fatigue are also recommended. Pharmacotherapy includes antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and desensitization therapy. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms such as nasal itching and sneezing; intranasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammatory responses in the nasal mucosa and improve nasal congestion; desensitization therapy involves gradually increasing allergen doses to induce immune tolerance for long-term disease control.
Immunotherapy targets specific allergens by gradually increasing allergen doses to induce patient tolerance, although this treatment requires a longer duration. Adjunctive treatments include nasal irrigation with saline to maintain nasal moisture and reduce allergen irritation, improving lifestyle habits to enhance physical condition and immunity, and maintaining a balanced diet while avoiding foods that may trigger allergic reactions.
