Allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma
Since September, the number of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma patients in the outpatient clinic has increased significantly.
I. What is allergic rhinitis? What are the common allergens?
Allergic rhinitis; also known as nasal allergy, sometimes called “cushings fever”, is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to the presence of allergens in the surrounding environment.
Common allergens.
1, pollen (trees, grass seeds)
2.Mold (indoor and outdoor)
3.Animal dander (especially cats, dogs and mice)
4.Dust mites
5, other (such as decorative materials, car exhaust, cosmetics or food additives)
What are the manifestations of allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis has four typical symptoms, namely itchy nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose.
Most patients tend to have recurrent episodes of these symptoms during the blossoming season, with sudden onset of strange itchiness in the nose, continuous sneezing, large amounts of clear water-like nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and brief episodes. There are also patients who have perennial attacks and wake up early in the morning with obvious symptoms.
How to diagnose allergic rhinitis?
1, with a typical history of allergies (including a family history of allergic diseases, my own history of infantile eczema or asthma) and typical clinical symptoms.
2, allergic rhinitis symptoms mainly manifest as nasal itching, frequent sneezing, clear nasal discharge and nasal congestion, which may disappear on their own or after treatment.
3. specific diagnostic tests, such as specially trained professionals to observe whether a standardized allergen skin test produces a rapid allergic reaction, or to determine allergen-specific immunoglobulins in the serum.
IV. What are the methods of treating allergic rhinitis?
Specific immunotherapy and non-specific therapy are included.
Specific immunotherapy, also known as desensitization therapy, is more effective in intermittent allergic rhinitis induced by pollen and dust mites, can significantly improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and prevent the occurrence of asthma, and can improve the prognosis of allergic diseases.
Non-specific treatment.
Antihistamines: e.g. paracetamol, cetirizine, loratadine and desloratadine.
Glucocorticoids by inhalation: e.g. budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone furoate, etc.
mast cell membrane stabilizers: e.g. sodium cromoglycate
Leukotriene modulators: e.g. montelukast (cisplatin).
Chinese medicine has special treatment, with Chinese medicine oral, such as: our hospital homemade “anti-allergy and asthma compound, nasal abyssal joint”, combined with Chinese medicine external treatment methods, such as: summer voltaic acupuncture point paste, voltaic moxibustion, etc., the effect is obvious, low cost, easy to accept.
V. What should patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis pay attention to?
Once confirmed as asthma or/and allergic rhinitis, they should receive regular treatment and regular follow-up under the guidance of a doctor. You also need to know the necessary general knowledge about disease prevention and control, develop good hygiene habits, and keep your body and mind happy.
Avoid and reduce allergen exposure, such as washing and disinfecting bedclothes frequently, not using clothes made of down or silk, not keeping pets at home, not stacking mold-prone wood or other waste indoors, and minimizing pollen exposure and inhalation. Also stay away from harmful stimuli and polluted air, strictly prohibit smoking, avoid alcohol, avoid passive smoking, avoid spicy food, pay attention to warmth, etc.
Excessive anger, depression, worry and other mental stimuli can also trigger allergic rhinitis and asthma or aggravate the condition; at the same time, strengthening exercise and physical fitness is also an important means to increase immunity.
Sixth, what are the hazards of allergic rhinitis?
The health effects of allergic rhinitis are not limited to the nasal cavity, but can often cause headaches, sleep problems, cognitive dysfunction (such as easy alertness, reduced concentration and memory), which can seriously affect life and work.
If treatment is delayed, it is often complicated by asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, nasal polyps and pharyngitis. According to statistics, more than half of asthma patients develop from allergic rhinitis, so the two are called “one airway, one disease”.
Allergic rhinitis can also cause brain infarction, high blood pressure, sudden heart attack and even sudden death at night in severe cases. Therefore, a small rhinitis cannot be ignored and should be treated promptly.
Seven, allergic rhinitis patients self-management
First of all, pay full attention to the knowledge of allergic rhinitis and increase confidence in overcoming the disease.
To realize the importance of prevention, understand the allergens that cause their own allergic rhinitis, as far as possible to avoid contact, such as pollen, home dust mites, blankets or animal dander, etc.. In the diet less cold food or colder food, such as cold drinks, ice cream, cola, cold fruit, bitter melon, cabbage, etc..
With the changes in work, life, emotions and other factors in life, the immune function may also change accordingly and the symptoms of allergic rhinitis may fluctuate. So adjust your living condition, try to keep yourself in a positive mental state, and enhance your physical fitness through proper exercise. Pay attention to keep warm and avoid colds: change bad habits, avoid overworking, eat reasonably and improve immune function.
Once symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive regular and systematic treatment.