For those with rhinitis, symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing are a constant companion, severely impacting their daily lives. Every breath feels like a difficult battle against the disease. So, how can I clear my nasal passages and restore normal breathing when I have rhinitis?
Physical Therapy
Hot Steaming and Hot Compresses
Hot steaming and hot compresses are two simple and effective physical therapies. When your nose is stuffy, prepare a cup of hot water, place your nose close to the cup, and slowly inhale the steam. The steam moistens the nasal mucosa, relieving congestion caused by dryness. It also helps thin out thick secretions, making them easier to expel. However, be careful to avoid burns during this procedure. In addition to hot steaming, applying a hot towel or hot water bottle to the nose is also a good option. Hot compresses can promote local blood circulation in the nasal cavity, relieve congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, and thus alleviate nasal congestion.
Changing body positions and massage
Changing body positions and massage are also practical ways to unclog the nasal cavity. Sleeping on your side improves blood circulation in the lower nasal cavity, which can alleviate nasal congestion. For example, if the left nasal cavity is blocked, lying on your right side with the left nasal cavity at the top can help drain secretions and improve ventilation. Massaging acupoints such as the Yingxiang point can also be very effective. The Yingxiang point is located near the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose, in the nasolabial groove. Gently massage both sides of the point with the tip of your index finger. This stimulation promotes blood circulation around the nose, reduces congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa, and relieves nasal congestion.
Medication
Antiallergic medications
Antiallergic medications are essential for patients with allergic rhinitis. Exposure to allergens causes the immune system to release chemicals such as histamine, which causes congestion and edema in the nasal mucosa, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Antiallergic medications, such as loratadine, ebastine tablets, and montelukast, can effectively inhibit the release of histamine, reduce the allergic reaction, and thus relieve nasal congestion. When taking allergy medications, always strictly follow your doctor's instructions and avoid increasing or decreasing the dosage on your own.
Nasal Corticosteroids and Decongestants
Nasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate inhaler and mometasone furoate nasal spray, are commonly used to treat rhinitis. They can reduce inflammation in the nasal mucosa and relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Compared to oral corticosteroids, nasal corticosteroids have fewer side effects and are safer. However, long-term use of nasal corticosteroids requires a doctor's supervision. Decongestants, such as ephedrine and oxymetazoline, can rapidly constrict blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, reducing swelling and improving airway flow. However, decongestants should not be used for more than one week, as excessive use can lead to dependence.
Mucus Promoters
Mucus Promoters can help thin out mucus, making it easier to expel. When a large amount of thick mucus accumulates in the nasal cavity, it can not only cause nasal congestion but can also harbor bacteria, leading to infection. Mucus-stimulating agents such as Eucalyptus, Citronellol, and Pinene Enteric-Coated Soft Capsules, Mucosolvan (Ambroxol Hydrochloride Tablets), and Carbocisteine can promote the secretion and drainage of mucus in the nasal cavity, keeping it clean and unobstructed.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Maintain Nasal Cleanliness
Maintaining nasal cleanliness is an important measure for preventing and relieving rhinitis. Rinse your nasal cavity with normal saline solution 1-2 times daily, using a nasal irrigator or spray. Normal saline solution can remove dust, allergens, and secretions from the nasal cavity, reducing inflammation in the nasal mucosa, restoring normal nasal function, and relieving nasal congestion. When rinsing your nasal cavity, be gentle and avoid applying excessive force that may damage the nasal mucosa.
A Healthy Diet and Moderate Exercise
A healthy diet and moderate exercise are also crucial for those with rhinitis. Consume more foods rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli and kiwifruit. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that can boost immunity and reduce inflammation in the nasal mucosa. At the same time, avoid spicy foods and high-sugar foods, as these may irritate the nasal mucosa and worsen nasal congestion. Moderate exercise can include aerobic exercises such as swimming and jogging. Exercise increases blood circulation, slightly raises body temperature, dilates nasal blood vessels, reduces nasal congestion, and improves ventilation. However, avoid strenuous outdoor activities in cold weather to prevent the cold air from triggering symptoms.
Regular sleep and mood regulation
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and mood regulation are also important. Getting enough sleep and avoiding late nights are beneficial for recovery and boosting immunity. Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and easily trigger rhinitis attacks. Furthermore, emotions can affect nasal patency. Prolonged negative emotions such as anxiety and tension can constrict nasal blood vessels, worsening nasal congestion. Therefore, learn to relax and relieve stress through meditation, listening to music, and maintaining a calm mind.
Avoiding allergens
Sufferers of allergic rhinitis should identify and avoid common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. Indoors, maintain regular cleaning, use mite-proof bedding, and avoid keeping pets. When outdoors, wear a mask to reduce nasal irritation. For example, during pollen season, avoid going out in the early morning and evening, as pollen concentrations are higher during these times. If you are allergic to dust mites, regularly wash your bedding, curtains, and other items to keep your home clean and dry.
Surgical Treatment
When symptoms do not improve with medication and are severely impacting quality of life, surgical treatment may be considered. The surgical procedure generally involves placing the patient in a semi-recumbent position, with the head unable to tilt back, while an anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia. The surgeon inserts a nasal endoscope into the nasal cavity to observe the nasal cavity. Under endoscopic guidance, the surgeon uses adrenal pads to shrink and ablate the bilaterally enlarged inferior turbinate. A scalpel is used to displace the inferior turbinate fractures to maintain a relatively open nasal cavity. Finally, the endoscope is removed from the nasal cavity, and the nasal cavity is irrigated and packed to stop any bleeding. However, surgical treatment is not suitable for all patients with rhinitis and is only considered for severe cases that have failed other treatments.
Rhinitis patients need to utilize a combination of physical therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, allergen avoidance, and surgery to clear their nasal passages. Each individual's condition and constitution are unique, requiring a tailored approach. At the same time, it's crucial to develop confidence in long-term treatment and adhere to a scientific approach and lifestyle to effectively alleviate rhinitis symptoms and restore normal breathing.
