How to diagnose allergic rhinitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 24, 2024
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Allergic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms are itchy nose, clear runny nose, and sneezing. In terms of examination, an allergen test can first be conducted to help identify the specific types of allergens. Currently, a skin prick test or blood test can be considered; both methods can determine the specific allergens. In daily life, it is necessary to avoid these as much as possible. Secondly, a nasopharyngoscope examination should be conducted. Through the nasopharyngoscope examination, the extent of the inflammatory response inside the nasal cavity can be determined. At the same time, it also helps to investigate other diseases in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
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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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Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are numerous. Common clinical symptoms include repetitive itching of the nose, runny nose, and sneezing, which can occur consecutively several times and are directly triggered by contact with allergens. Common allergens include dust, pollen, seafood, and pets. If the allergic reaction is severe, contact with these allergens can quickly trigger the aforementioned clinical symptoms, characterized by sudden onset of nose itching, clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. In terms of treatment, oral medications and nasal sprays are primarily used. A small portion of patients might consider desensitization therapy or surgical treatment, but it is generally difficult to achieve a complete cure.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does allergic rhinitis cause a fever?

Allergic rhinitis generally rarely involves a fever. This is because the main pathogenic mechanism of allergic rhinitis is exposure to allergens, which triggers the body's autoimmune response, leading to common clinical symptoms such as itchy nose, clear nasal discharge, and sneezing, and it may persistently recur. However, overall, it is caused by the body's immune allergic response, without obvious acute bacterial or viral infection, so the likelihood of causing a fever is small. Therefore, in terms of treatment, if there is a fever, it is necessary to investigate whether there is an acute viral or bacterial infection. This can be done by observing clinical symptoms, examining the conditions inside the nasal cavity, and combining this with routine blood tests, which essentially can confirm and determine the diagnosis.