How to prevent seasonal rhinitis

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis with seasonal outbreaks, requires the identification of specific allergens for its prevention. This type of rhinitis is caused by allergies to seasonal factors, so it is necessary to visit an allergen testing center at an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department of a hospital to determine the specific allergens. Then, prior to the season, preventative measures can be taken to avoid contact with these allergens. Medications can be started one or two weeks in advance to alleviate the symptoms of rhinitis. Common medications include anti-allergy nasal steroids and other anti-allergy drugs such as antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists. Nasal steroids are typically administered via nasal spray once or twice a day, and during the prevention period, it can be sprayed once a day.

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What causes rhinitis?

There are many causes of rhinitis in clinical settings, such as acute rhinitis, which is primarily due to infections, especially viral infections. Chronic rhinitis has many influencing factors, such as incomplete treatment of acute rhinitis leading to chronic conditions, or originating directly from chronic rhinitis. For instance, physical and chemical irritants, inappropriate use of medications in the nasal cavity, such as rhinitis medicamentosa caused by the use of nasal mucosa constrictors, and some inappropriate self-actions like habitual nose-picking, can all cause chronic rhinitis. Other forms of rhinitis, such as allergic rhinitis, are mainly caused by allergic factors. There is also vasomotor rhinitis, mainly due to inconsistent vasoconstriction, among other reasons. These are the main factors. (For specific medications, please follow the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Can people with chronic rhinitis smoke?

It is advised not to smoke for chronic rhinitis, as smoking can be irritating to the nasal mucosa, inferior nasal concha, and other structures in the nasal cavity. This is because cigarettes contain a lot of irritating substances that can directly stimulate the nasal mucosa. It can easily trigger an attack of rhinitis or exacerbate existing inflammation, hence smoking is not recommended. It is also suggested to avoid alcohol, keep the nose moist, avoid contact with irritants, and consider using physiological seawater or saline to rinse the nasal cavity. Additionally, treatments can include oral traditional Chinese medicine and nasal spray medications. Generally, it is a common disease that can be effectively controlled and managed with standard treatment. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to relieve chronic rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis mainly refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa and submucosa, which may be related to allergic states, bacterial infections, viral infections, and environmental factors, as well as the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. Traditional Chinese medicine considers this a manifestation of excessive heat or internal heat. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid catching a cold, smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and consuming spicy or stimulating food. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are cooling and slightly bitter may help. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, the use of antihistamines and traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying can be beneficial. Applying glucocorticoid nasal sprays may also help. Generally, such treatments can alleviate or cure the condition.

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How to distinguish between rhinitis and a cold

The distinction between rhinitis and a cold primarily hinges on the following aspects: first and foremost, the specific onset time of the illness. Colds generally occur suddenly and last for a relatively short duration, about a week; whereas the duration of rhinitis may be longer, and some individuals might even experience chronic rhinitis, meaning the onset duration for rhinitis is relatively longer. The second aspect is the symptoms. Cold symptoms may include nasal congestion and a runny nose, but most patients will also exhibit other uncomfortable symptoms, such as sore throat, body aches, or fever. In the case of rhinitis, the primary symptoms are usually nasal, such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, and generally, there are rarely any whole-body symptoms. The third method is through an examination of the nasal cavity, which is primarily based on the doctor's experiential judgment. These three aspects essentially allow for the differentiation between rhinitis and a cold.

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The difference between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis

The differences between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis are quite significant. Firstly, we need to consider the causes of the diseases. Allergic rhinitis is mainly caused by the body's own immune response, primarily due to allergens the body encounters externally, which trigger this immune response. Chronic rhinitis, on the other hand, is primarily associated with local inflammation of the nasal mucosa and turbinates, and generally, it is not directly related to the body's own immune system. Another difference lies in the symptoms. The main symptoms of chronic rhinitis include nasal congestion and runny nose, with some patients possibly experiencing headaches or dizziness. In contrast, symptoms of allergic rhinitis mainly include itchy nose, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge, with some patients possibly experiencing nasal congestion. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist, allowing an experienced doctor to make a diagnosis, supplemented by additional diagnostic tests.