Guangzhou Daily (All-media reporter Zhang Qingmei, intern Wen Huijun, correspondent Wu Liting) Spring is the season of high incidence of allergic rhinitis, with many people experiencing symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
Su Juan, deputy chief physician of the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Guangzhou First People's Hospital, pointed out that allergic rhinitis is a non-infectious inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by allergic reactions. To prevent allergic rhinitis in spring, avoiding contact with allergens is the key.
Try to avoid contact with allergens
In spring, the temperature changes from warm to cold, the temperature fluctuates greatly, the air is dry, coupled with the increase in indoor dust mites, cockroaches, fungi, animal dander, and pollen and catkins flying on the streets, all may become key factors in inducing rhinitis.
"To prevent allergic rhinitis in spring, it is crucial to avoid contact with allergens." Su Juan pointed out that in the south, dust mite allergies are more common, while in the north, pollen allergies are the main problem. It is recommended that patients with allergic rhinitis should avoid contact with pollen and animal fur. To avoid allergens, regularly open windows for ventilation in sunny weather, wash and change sheets and bedding frequently, air mattresses frequently, clean air conditioning filters regularly, and clean indoor carpets.
When Artemisia pollen is flying in the sky in spring, try to limit outdoor activities, or wear a pollen-protecting mask and glasses when you go out.
Shake off the dust on your body before going home, change your clothes promptly after returning home, wash your face, gargle, and remove nasal secretions to reduce the inhalation of allergens.
In addition, keeping indoor air humidity at a moderate level can also help reduce the level of allergens.
Indoor humidity can be increased using a humidifier or by placing a water basin.
Unlike a cold, try nasal irrigation
Although the symptoms of rhinitis and colds are similar, they are essentially different.
According to Su Juan, colds are mainly caused by viral infections and have a short course. They can heal on their own in about a week and are accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat, fever, headache and general fatigue.
Allergic rhinitis has long-lasting symptoms and is prone to recurring symptoms, mainly concentrated in the nose, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It may also be accompanied by tearing, red eyes, burning eyes, and inflammation of the eyes, ears, throat, hard palate, etc. Itchy condition.
Regarding the treatment of allergic rhinitis, Su Juan said that common treatment methods include drug treatment and desensitization treatment.
Drug treatment is one of the effective ways to relieve allergic symptoms. Under the guidance of a doctor, anti-allergic drugs, glucocorticoid sprays, anti-leukotriene drugs, etc. can be used to relieve symptoms. However, attention should be paid to the side effects and dependence of drugs. Be sure to take medication according to your doctor's prescription.
Desensitization treatment, also known as immunotherapy, is the only cause-specific treatment that can change the course of allergies.
Additionally, nasal irrigation is a simple and cost-effective treatment for nasal ailments.
Routine use of warm saline or normal saline for nasal irrigation can effectively remove allergens and secretions in the nasal cavity and relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion and nasal itching.
In daily life, through appropriate exercise, such as swimming, walking, jogging, and yoga, or adjusting your diet, you can improve your body's immunity and prevent the onset of allergic rhinitis.
Su Juan finally emphasized that once symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing occur and recur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time and receive standardized treatment.