Spring temperatures alternate between hot and cold, the humidity fluctuates greatly, the air is dry, and the concentration of pollen such as catkins and catkins increases significantly. This is the season when allergic rhinitis is most common. Many people are troubled by nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Wan Yuzhu, director of the Rhinology Center of Shandong Second People's Hospital (Shandong Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital), pointed out that allergic rhinitis is a non-infectious inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by allergic reactions. To prevent spring allergic rhinitis, it is crucial to avoid exposure to allergens.
Wan Yuzhu said that different people may be allergic to different substances. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal fur, mold, certain foods, etc. Genetic factors also play a role in the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. Preschool children aged 2-6 years are more susceptible because their immune systems have not yet developed.
It is reported that allergic rhinitis mainly manifests as local symptoms in the nasal cavity, often including repeated sneezing, nasal itching, large amounts of watery nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and decreased sense of smell. It is generally not accompanied by systemic symptoms. The nasal mucosa is pale and edema. After the onset, if Without standard treatment, clinical symptoms can persist for several months or even longer.
Many people cannot tell the difference between allergic rhinitis and a cold.
In addition to symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing, cold patients may also experience symptoms such as cough and sore throat. Some patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fever, dizziness, and body muscle aches. In addition to a large amount of nasal mucus and swelling of the nasal mucosa, it is usually accompanied by pharyngeal congestion, tonsil congestion and other related symptoms. Cold patients will generally get better in about two weeks, regardless of whether they seek medical treatment or not.
"Allergic rhinitis cannot yet be completely cured, and staying away from allergens is still the core of treatment." Wan Yuzhu said frankly that in many cases, it is impossible to completely avoid allergens. In this case, drug treatment becomes an important means to control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
According to reports, some nasal hormone drugs, such as budesonide, mometasone furoate, fluticasone propionate and other nasal sprays, are considered to be the most effective drugs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis at present. Continuous use of such drugs is often more significant than intermittent use, and there is no need to worry too much about possible side effects of hormones.
In addition, second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, azelastine, levocabastine, etc., can effectively control nasal symptoms such as runny nose, frequent sneezing and nasal itching . Leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast, are effective in improving nasal congestion and can also be used in patients with bronchial asthma.
Wan Yuzhu reminded that the concentration of outdoor pollen such as poplar catkins and catkins increases significantly in spring, which is a key factor in inducing rhinitis. Therefore, patients with allergic rhinitis should minimize outdoor activities, or wear pollen protective masks and glasses when going out, try to avoid contact with pollen, animal fur and other allergens, regularly open windows for ventilation, wash and change sheets and bedding frequently, and air mattresses frequently. Clean the air conditioning filter and indoor carpets regularly, and you can also use a humidifier or place a basin to increase indoor humidity.
Qilu Evening News reporter Qin Congcong and intern Li Jiarun