"What is allergic rhinitis allergic to?"

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Allergic rhinitis is a type of pathological reactive disease that occurs in the nasal area. The allergens of allergic rhinitis usually require examination, and there are many methods of examination, such as skin prick tests, hat tests, etc. According to the epidemiological survey of allergens for allergic rhinitis, the main allergens include allergies to dust mites, pollen, and ragweed. In the eastern coastal regions, allergies to dust mites are more common, while in the north and west, allergies to ragweed are more frequent. During the spring season, pollen allergies are relatively common.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat allergic rhinitis?

The treatment of allergic rhinitis is currently mainly divided into three categories: The first category is pharmacotherapy, the second is desensitization therapy, and the third is surgical treatment. Pharmacotherapy generally focuses on nasal sprays and oral medications, which are targeted anti-allergy treatments. This method primarily controls and stabilizes the symptoms but is unlikely to provide a cure. Desensitization therapy is mainly suitable for patients who are solely allergic to mites. Some patients may achieve a cure after undergoing desensitization therapy. Surgical treatment can also be considered, but it is not the first choice. It is mainly used for patients who do not respond well to conservative medication and have particularly severe symptoms. In such cases, surgery might be considered because, whether through pharmacotherapy or surgical treatment, most patients aim primarily to control the disease rather than achieving a cure. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Permanent cure for allergic rhinitis

Currently, most cases of allergic rhinitis are difficult to cure completely. According to existing medical methods and research, if it's solely a mite allergy, some patients can consider undergoing desensitization treatment, which involves taking medication subcutaneously or sublingually over a long period, approximately two to three years. Overall, some patients can achieve a cure, but if it's other allergies or if the allergen cannot be clearly identified with current medical methods, the primary approach is control of symptoms using conventional medications. Whether it's medical treatment or surgical intervention, it's still difficult to achieve a complete cure. Thus, generally speaking, the treatment of most cases of allergic rhinitis focuses on control and alleviation.

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Written by Li Rui
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How to check for allergens in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be screened for allergens. Currently, allergy testing is mainly conducted through two methods. The first method is blood testing, and the second method is a skin prick test. Blood testing is more commonly used and typically involves various allergens, such as dust, pollen, pets, hair, and it could also be due to allergies to seafood or mold, plants. Both skin prick tests and blood tests can be used. If one method does not provide sufficiently clear results, both types of allergen tests can be performed simultaneously for a more accurate comparison.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.