Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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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.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

45sec

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What are the allergens of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease with various clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms include itchy nose, clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. It is advisable to consider allergen testing. Common allergens in clinical settings include seafood, cats, dogs, pollen, and there may also be dust, mugwort, and pigweed. There is generally significant individual variation, and clear identification can be acquired through skin prick tests or blood tests. Once identified, it is necessary to avoid contact with the allergens in daily life as much as possible. Additionally, if the clinical symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to combine oral medications and nasal sprays for targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

49sec

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How to completely cure allergic rhinitis?

For allergic rhinitis, most patients mainly focus on controlling and stabilizing the condition, and only a small portion of them can be completely cured, mainly those who are solely allergic to mites. It is advisable to first undergo allergy testing. If the test results show only a simple mite allergy, and the allergic reaction is severe (exceeding three levels), desensitization treatment could be considered. Currently, this mainly involves sublingual immunotherapy or subcutaneous injections. Most patients can achieve clinical cure with this treatment; however, a minority may only experience relief without achieving complete cure. Overall, for allergic rhinitis, most patients cannot be completely cured. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 10sec

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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.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

56sec

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Is allergic rhinitis hereditary?

Allergic rhinitis indeed may have a certain genetic predisposition, but it is not absolute. Generally, it is associated with an imbalance in one's immune system. In terms of treatment, it is necessary first to perform an allergen test to identify specific allergens and try to avoid exposure to them in daily life. One can also consider medication, commonly using nasal sprays and oral medications, primarily targeted antiallergic treatment to control and alleviate the condition and stabilize symptoms. However, generally speaking, most patients cannot be completely cured. If both parents have allergic rhinitis, there is a relatively higher likelihood of passing it on to their children. Therefore, timely prevention and appropriate treatment measures are also necessary. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

53sec

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Does allergic rhinitis cause coughing?

Allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms of coughing, as the allergens that patients come into contact with lead to hypersensitivity in the upper airways, triggering bronchospasm. Thus, patients experience irritative coughing and related phenomena. For coughs caused by allergic rhinitis, the primary treatment involves the use of anti-allergy medications. In daily life, it is first necessary to avoid contact with allergens, and allergen testing can be conducted to identify the specific allergens affecting the patient. Additionally, during episodes of allergic rhinitis, patients should use antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, and steroid nasal sprays to control the episodes of allergic rhinitis and reduce the symptoms of coughing. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)