Allergic rhinitis is like this.

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 21, 2025
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Allergic rhinitis is primarily caused by the inhalation of allergens into the nasal cavity after the body's immunity and resistance has decreased, leading to acute, allergic symptoms. Patients may experience paroxysmal sneezing, generally more than three sneezes, and in severe cases, up to dozens. Symptoms also include itchy nose, itchy eyes, bilateral nasal congestion, and a large amount of worm-like secretions flowing from the nasal cavity. During the examination with a nasal endoscope, pale and swollen nasal concha mucous membranes can be observed on both sides with positive prick tests. In the middle and common nasal passages, abnormal secretions can cover the area. For treatment, allergic rhinitis initially requires hospital examination for allergens, while also avoiding allergens, and taking oral anti-allergy medications. Additionally, patients are advised to engage in physical activities such as swimming and running to enhance immunity and resistance, which can lead to gradual improvement.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to Diagnose Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a common and frequently occurring disease clinically. The definite diagnosis of allergic rhinitis primarily relies on the following points: First, the medical history, such as a history of living in an allergenic environment or a family history, along with a past history of the condition. Second, the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis, such as rhinitis, paroxysmal sneezing, a large amount of clear watery nasal discharge, and upon nasal examination, the nasal mucosa appears pale and swollen with clear watery discharge present in the nasal cavity. Additionally, supportive examinations can reveal an increase in eosinophils or lymphocytes in the complete blood count, or the detection of allergens, and specific IgE tests, etc. With these medical histories, clinical symptom manifestations, and supportive examinations, allergic rhinitis can be definitively diagnosed.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

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
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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 Yao Jun
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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 Li Rui
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Early symptoms of allergic rhinitis

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are numerous, with common ones including repeated itching of the nose, runny nose, and sneezing. Some patients may also experience nasal congestion and itchy eyes. Therefore, upon experiencing these symptoms, one should visit an otolaryngology clinic and consider undergoing a nasal endoscopy and allergen test to identify specific allergens and assess the degree of inflammation. Generally, treatment can involve oral medication and nasal spray medications. Additionally, using saline solution to rinse the nasal passages can be helpful during treatment, requiring regular follow-up to monitor treatment effectiveness. Moreover, it is necessary to avoid contact with substances that are likely to cause allergies as much as possible. Most patients can gradually stabilize with timely treatment.