Zhang Guomin Zhang Guozhi, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Characteristic Medical Center (formerly 306 Hospital).
Edited by Liu Yan/Cui Yan, Medical Science Popularization Center
Spring is seen as a season of life and hope, but it is also a time of high incidence of allergic diseases. With the fluctuating temperature and the increase in pollen concentration, it is a season that requires special attention for people with allergies.
Allergic rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a non-infectious chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa mediated mainly by immunoglobulin E (IgE) after exposure to allergens (allergens) in specific individuals, and has become a major chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. It can usually be divided into seasonal and perennial, among which the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis are more frequent than in spring, and the common allergens are seasonal inhaled allergens such as pollen and fungi. Seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis caused by pollen allergies are also known as "hay fever". The onset of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis is not seasonal, and the common allergens are indoor inhalation allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, and some occupational allergens.
Allergic rhinitis is more common in life, and the adult prevalence is 10%~30%. Whether it's pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander, or strong odors or cold air, they can become allergens that trigger an immune response, causing local blood vessels to dilate and irritate sensory nerve endings. Typical symptoms are nasal itching and nasal congestion, frequent sneezing, and profusely watery nasal discharge; It may be accompanied by eye symptoms, including itching, watery eyes, redness and burning sensation. 40% of patients with allergic rhinitis can be complicated with bronchial asthma, which is accompanied by pulmonary symptoms such as wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Severe allergic reactions can cause severe asthma attacks and even be life-threatening, so it is necessary to actively prevent them in life to avoid discomfort.
Allergic rhinitis coping
(1) Stay away from allergens. Allergens can be avoided in the home environment and at work. Allergen testing is an important means of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis, patients with allergic rhinitis can go to the hospital for allergen testing, according to the test results away from allergenic substances, normal saline can be used to flush the nasal cavity, accelerate the effective discharge of allergens in the nasal cavity, and desensitization treatment can be carried out if necessary.
Patients with allergic rhinitis who are allergic to pollen should avoid the peak period of allergenic pollen spread during outdoor activities during the season when the concentration of pollen in the air is high, so as to reduce the onset of symptoms. In environments where natural exposure to pollen occurs, the use of protective masks, protective glasses, nasal filters, pollen blockers, and inert cellulose powder can reduce nasal inhalation or contact with the conjunctiva and relieve eye and nose symptoms.
(2) Improve the dietary structure. Usually you should eat less cold, cold, spicy, greasy and other foods that hurt the spleen and hinder the spleen, and keep a light and balanced diet.
(3) The indoor environment is suitable. The home should be cleaned regularly and the indoor humidity should be adjusted. Pillows and bedding should be washed and dried frequently, and ventilated frequently. Try not to have pets such as cats and dogs to reduce the irritation of allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches and dander.
(4) Keep exercising. Patients with allergic rhinitis can improve or enhance their physical fitness by sticking to their favorite sports for a long time, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, tai chi or Baduanjin. Exercise for at least 20 minutes each time, and sweat slightly.
(5) Medication. antihistamines to relieve symptoms of sneezing, runny nose; When further exacerbations, nasal spray hormones may be used; People with comorbid asthma can have a specialist choose anti-asthma drugs based on the severity of symptoms.
(Some of the pictures come from the Internet)