Constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and blocked nose are all troubles caused by allergic rhinitis. For many families, this has become a part of everyday life. Hormone therapy has long been widely used to alleviate these symptoms, but its side effects have left many parents worried. Now, a new treatment, desensitization therapy, is gradually becoming the focus of attention.
What is desensitization therapy, why is it a new option for allergic rhinitis treatment, and what are its advantages and limitations?
Allergic rhinitis: an invisible burden for children
Allergic rhinitis, often mistaken for the common cold, is actually a common chronic disease, especially in children. This condition not only affects breathing, but can also lead to poor sleep quality and learning Xi disorders. Allergic rhinitis is primarily an immune response caused by allergens, including but not limited to pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
An allergic reaction occurs when a child's immune system mistakenly perceives these substances as a threat that should be harmless. At this point, the mucous membranes in the nasal passages become unusually sensitive and swollen, leading to sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, or itching. These symptoms may not sound serious, but they can significantly affect your child's quality of life.
A study of school-age children found that more than 40% of children experienced nighttime sleep disturbances due to allergic rhinitis, which directly affected their Xi and activity performance the next day. In addition to sleep problems, allergic rhinitis can also cause headaches, fatigue and even mood problems, which are symptoms that parents and teachers tend to overlook.
It is important to note that allergic rhinitis is not set in stone. As the environment changes and your child's body develops, symptoms may worsen or lessen. Therefore, understanding and managing allergic rhinitis is essential to ensure the overall healthy development of children. With proper identification and timely intervention, this invisible burden can be effectively alleviated so that children can be at their best in school and daily life.
"Hormone Therapy: A Routine Tactic for Allergic Rhinitis"
Hormone therapy has long been a common strategy for doctors in allergic rhinitis. Hormonal medications, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, are designed to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. These drugs can quickly relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose and improve the patient's respiratory comfort.
Hormone therapy isn't perfect. Long-term use may cause nasal dryness, bleeding, and may even affect growth and development in children. One study noted that children who continued to use hormonal nasal sprays for more than a year may experience a slight slowdown in height gain. This does not mean that all children who use hormone therapy will be affected, but it does need to be used with caution under the guidance of a doctor.
Hormone therapy does not fundamentally address the problem caused by the allergen. It only temporarily suppresses symptoms, not the allergen itself. Once the drug is stopped, symptoms may return. Therefore, for families who want to manage their symptoms in the long term, relying solely on hormone therapy may not be the best option.
Desensitization Therapy: Changing Your Child's Allergic Rhinitis Story
Allergic rhinitis has long plagued many children and their families, but now there is a new ray of light: desensitization treatment. This treatment is not only interesting in theory, but has also proven its effectiveness in practice.
The core idea of desensitization therapy is to gradually adapt the body to the allergens and thus reduce the response to them. Imagine that it's like slowly getting used to the cold water and finally being able to swim comfortably. This process is divided into several stages, starting with identifying what the child is specifically allergic to, and then training the body's immune system by gradually increasing the exposure to the allergen.
Studies in recent years have given encouraging results. One study showed that a significant percentage of children who received desensitization treatment experienced an improvement in symptoms. For example, a study involving 300 children found that after one year of desensitization treatment, more than 60% of children reported a reduction in their symptoms.
What's more, the effects of this treatment appear to be long-lasting. Another study followed children who received desensitization treatment three years later and found that most of the children still had improved symptoms.
Of course, desensitization treatment doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and close collaboration with the doctor. But for families who suffer from allergic rhinitis, this provides a long-term solution, not just temporary relief. With a step-by-step and systematic approach, children can look forward to alleviating their symptoms and enjoying a more carefree childhood.