What department should I go to for allergic rhinitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Allergic rhinitis symptoms

Allergic rhinitis is a common disease in otolaryngology, often occurring throughout the year. It can be categorized into perennial allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Perennial allergic rhinitis may be related to dust, talcum powder, dust mites, or animal dander, among others. Seasonal rhinitis is often associated with hay fever. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the type of allergic rhinitis based on the patient's season of onset and the allergens involved. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose, and itchy eyes. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs throughout the year, whereas pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, or seasonal rhinitis, tends to have more severe symptoms during the blooming season of spring.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis occurs due to reduced immunity and resistance when the nasal cavity inhales relevant allergens. Allergens may include dust, pollen, mites, and the direct stimulation of cold and warm air, leading to symptoms in patients such as bilateral nasal congestion, paroxysmal sneezing and nasal discharge after waking. Upon examination, bilateral pale, swollen inferior turbinates can be found, and the prick test is positive. In terms of treatment, patients first need to visit a hospital to check for allergens and identify the substances they are allergic to, while also avoiding these allergens as much as possible and wearing masks. During the acute phase, patients also need to take some anti-allergy medications orally. When the patient moves past the acute phase and enters the remission phase, it is necessary to exercise to enhance their immunity and resistance, which gradually leads to the recovery from allergic rhinitis. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Allergic rhinitis should be seen in the department of otolaryngology.

It is recommended to see an otolaryngologist for allergic rhinitis, as it is a relatively common nasal disease. The clinical symptoms include an itchy nose, runny clear nasal discharge, and frequent sneezing. Regarding treatment, it mainly involves oral medications and nasal sprays, specifically targeted anti-allergy treatments, and allergen screening can also be conducted. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid contact with allergens as much as possible. For patients who are solely allergic to mites, desensitization treatments can be considered, which may effectively cure the condition in some patients, although individual differences exist.

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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.

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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.