Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 17, 2024

00:00

00:00

Allergic rhinitis is a type of hypersensitivity reaction occurring in our nasal cavity. It is an immunological disease, not caused by bacterial or viral infections, so it is definitely not contagious. However, in real life, it may create an appearance of being contagious. For example, if one family member develops allergic rhinitis, other family members might also start showing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This is mainly because all family members live in the same environment, which might be the allergen-triggering environment. Essentially, allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitivity disease and is not contagious. It’s just that living in the same environment, everyone may develop this disease, but it is not transmitted from one person to another.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

1min 8sec

home-news-image

What department should I go to for allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngology department. Currently, allergic rhinitis is mainly due to an imbalance in one's own immune system, which, upon contact with external allergens, triggers an allergic reaction in the body. It is a relatively common nasal disease, hence the recommendation to visit an otorhinolaryngology department. Regarding examinations, allergen testing and nasal endoscopy are required. The main purpose is to identify the relevant allergens and to determine the presence of any neoplasms in the nasal and nasopharyngeal areas, such as nasal polyps. In terms of treatment, it primarily involves medication. Currently, the treatment mainly considers the use of oral medications and nasal spray medications for allergy treatment. Additionally, the use of saline to rinse the nasal cavity can be considered, along with regular follow-ups. However, overall, most patients with allergic rhinitis focus on controlling the condition, as it is difficult to completely cure.

home-news-image

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

47sec

home-news-image

Manifestations of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a type of hypersensitivity disease, with clinical symptoms primarily presented in the nasal cavity. Its main manifestations are nasal congestion, nasal itching, abundant clear nasal discharge, continuous paroxysmal sneezing, and reduced sense of smell. If the allergies in allergic rhinitis are not effectively controlled, the allergic symptoms may progress downward, potentially leading to allergic pharyngitis, characterized by an itchy throat, dry cough, and hoarse voice. If it continues to develop further, it can lead to allergic asthma. This is clinically referred to as "one airway, one disease." Therefore, it is crucial to actively intervene and provide appropriate treatment for allergic rhinitis.

home-news-image

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

47sec

home-news-image

How to completely cure allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis currently has many treatment methods, but overall, only a minority of patients can be completely cured; most patients focus primarily on controlling symptoms and alleviating the condition. At present, the main treatment method for allergic rhinitis is medication. If it's purely a mite allergy and there are no other allergens, desensitization treatment can be considered. Currently, this involves subcutaneous injections or sublingual immunotherapy. Overall, about 60% to 70% of patients can achieve a complete cure with this treatment. However, for other allergies or those that cannot be identified, the focus is primarily on control and relief; it is very difficult to achieve a complete cure with either medication or surgery.

home-news-image

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

1min 3sec

home-news-image

How to treat allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis refers to a pathological reactive disease of the nasal cavity caused by an allergy to certain substances. The main clinical treatments for allergic rhinitis include the following points: First, it is essential to avoid contact with the allergens that cause allergic rhinitis as much as possible. Second, medication treatment is implemented, mainly antiallergic drugs such as loratadine and cetirizine. Additionally, local use of corticosteroid nasal sprays is used for treatment. Third, specific desensitization treatment can be carried out, mainly for mite allergies. Fourth, some surgical interventions can be performed, such as surgery to correct the nasal framework and turbinate reduction treatment for enlarged inferior turbinates, or corrective treatment for a deviated nasal septum. These treatments are auxiliary and help improve allergic rhinitis but are not direct treatments for the condition. (Medication usage should be based on specific circumstances and under the guidance of a doctor.)

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 10sec

home-news-image

Can people with allergic rhinitis eat mangoes?

For allergic rhinitis, it is first necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed examination of allergen antibody tests to identify the substances causing the allergy. If you are allergic to mangoes, then you must avoid eating mangoes. Allergic rhinitis is mainly caused by a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance, leading to localized symptoms after the nasal and oral cavities come into contact with an allergen. Patients may experience symptoms such as sneezing fits in the morning, runny nose with clear mucus, bilateral nasal congestion, nasal itching, and eye itching. During the examination, pale and swollen nasal conchae mucosa can be observed, and the prick test is positive. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase of allergic rhinitis, symptomatic antiallergic treatment is required first. Patients also need to avoid allergens, wear masks, avoid spicy and irritating foods, exercise regularly to enhance immunity and resistance, and avoid catching colds, which can gradually lead to improvement.