Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages and is characterized by sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. It can be caused by allergies to things in the air, irritants such as cigarette smoke or perfume and certain medical conditions or medications. The condition can be a long-standing one or flare up from time to time. A patient may experience itching, a headache or a sense of postnasal drip (the sensation that mucus is draining down the back of the throat). Rhinitis can also be linked to a higher risk of developing asthma.비염치료한의원
The first step in treating Rhinitis is trying over-the-counter antihistamines to see if this helps. If over-the-counter medication does not help, an ENT doctor can recommend other medications to manage the symptoms. A combination of decongestants and antihistamines often seems to work best for chronic non-allergic rhinitis. The type of medication will depend on the cause of the rhinitis. A Rhinitis treatment plan will include a detailed history, physical examination and allergy skin testing. An allergist can then prescribe a regimen of symptom-controlling drugs including second-generation oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids. In addition, the allergist may also recommend immunotherapy to help the immune system tolerate allergens.
There are two main types of rhinitis: allergic and nonallergic. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to something that enters the nasal cavity such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. The allergic reaction triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine that cause itching, sneezing and nasal congestion. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial, with symptoms typically worsening during specific pollen seasons.
Nonallergic rhinitis can be triggered by things such as cigarette smoke, strong odors or cleaning products. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as aspirin or NSAIDs. The symptoms are usually not as severe as those of allergic rhinitis, but they can be difficult to control.
It is important to recognize that rhinitis is a common disorder and is often overlooked by physicians. It is important for patients to seek treatment for their symptoms to improve quality of life and functioning.
Allergy skin testing is the most accurate way to diagnose a person’s allergic rhinitis and determine the appropriate medications for their symptoms. Ideally, treatment should be initiated before the peak of an allergic season to minimize symptoms.
If over-the-counter medications do not relieve a patient’s symptoms, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy. This involves a series of injections that introduce small amounts of allergens to the body over time. This is done in the office and is very safe and effective. Alternatively, there is an oral form of immunotherapy called sublingual immunotherapy. This is a daily pill that dissolves under the tongue. It is currently available for tree, grass and dust mite allergies.라경찬한의원