Should people with allergic rhinitis avoid certain foods?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 20, 2025
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Patients with allergic rhinitis need to avoid certain foods. Allergic rhinitis is a common otolaryngological disease, mainly caused by the patient's exposure to allergens in food or air, leading to acute edema and congestion of the nasal mucosa. Allergens can be varied, including dust mites and pollen in the air, as well as foods like seafood, fish, and shrimp. Therefore, if allergic rhinitis is caused by food allergens, especially fish and seafood, patients should be cautious and avoid consuming these foods in daily life. Additionally, patients should also reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods, as these may also exacerbate and cause recurrent allergic rhinitis.

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Where to apply moxibustion for allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a common clinical disease. Apart from medication, we can also use moxibustion to enhance the body's resistance and reduce local congestion of the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis, achieving the purpose of disease prevention and treatment. Where do we usually apply moxibustion? If it involves distant moxibustion, it usually targets acupuncture points that enhance the body's resistance, such as Zusanli and Guanyuan, which are very effective points. Moxibustion can also be applied to Xuehai. Additionally, we can moxibust certain local points such as Yingxiang and Yintang to relieve nasal congestion and alleviate clinical symptoms like swelling of the nasal mucosa. Of course, moxibustion can also be applied to some points on the back related to the lungs, including lung meridian points and Gaohuang, all of which are effective in treating and preventing allergic rhinitis.

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Causes of Mite Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis caused by mites is a common ailment in daily life, often occurring in southern regions, with over 90% being allergic to dust mites. Allergens can be identified through allergen tests. Patients with allergic rhinitis often experience a series of symptoms such as nasal itchiness, runny nose, and sneezing. After confirming an allergy to dust mites, it is important to frequently wash and sun-dry bedding in daily life, keep bed hygiene products clean, and prevent mite breeding that triggers allergic rhinitis. If an allergic rhinitis episode occurs, the patient can use steroid nasal sprays and oral antiallergic medications to control the onset of allergic rhinitis. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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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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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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.