Effective Ways to Manage Allergic Rhinitis in Daily Life.

When spring arrives, the air is filled with new life and the beauty of blooming flowers, rejuvenating nature. However, for those suffering from pollen allergies, it can also be a painful time, filled with runny noses and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis, characterized by symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing, can persist for weeks to months, making it even more challenging.

 

To effectively manage allergic rhinitis, it's important to harmonize environmental therapy with medication.

 

To treat allergic rhinitis effectively, it's crucial to identify the cause first. It's categorized into seasonal rhinitis, triggered by pollen, and perennial rhinitis, caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, which can occur throughout the year. Based on these causes, appropriate treatment methods can be selected. Combining avoidance therapy with medication is important, as symptoms may recur when medication is stopped, necessitating regular check-ups.

 

Mechanism of Action in Allergic Rhinitis

When allergic rhinitis patients are exposed to allergens, mast cells secrete chemical substances like histamine. This stimulates the nasal mucosa sensory nerves, leading to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Additionally, chronic nasal congestion can be induced by inflammatory cells like eosinophils.

 

Effectiveness of Nasal Saline Irrigation

Nasal saline irrigation helps reduce swollen nasal mucosa and remove intranasal foreign substances, reducing inflammatory triggers. However, it's not a fundamental treatment for rhinitis but rather aids in symptom relief. Therefore, it's recommended to combine it with avoidance therapy and medication.

 

Importance of Proper Avoidance Therapy

Avoiding exposure to dust, temperature changes, cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, and maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings is crucial. During pollen-heavy seasons, it's advisable to keep windows closed and wear masks when going out. If pets are the cause, it's best not to keep them, but if unavoidable, bathing them frequently and using air purifiers can be helpful. To prevent dust mite allergies, regularly changing bed covers and using leather furniture whenever possible are also effective methods.

 

Consideration of Medication and Surgery

In many cases, symptom control is difficult with avoidance therapy alone, so medication may be necessary. Symptoms can be managed using nasal sprays and oral medications. If symptoms persist even after medication, immunotherapy or surgery may be considered.

 

To effectively manage allergic rhinitis, it's important to harmonize environmental therapy with medication. Depending on individual circumstances, selecting the appropriate treatment method and consistent management are necessary. Consultation with experts is essential when considering immunotherapy or surgery.