In the silence of the night, many people are tortured by nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and nasal itching, tossing and turning - this may be allergic rhinitis "causing trouble" at night. As a common chronic nasal disease, the nocturnal symptoms of allergic rhinitis are often aggravated by changes in body position, exposure to environmental allergens and changes in the circadian rhythm of the immune system, which seriously affects sleep quality and daily life.
Three major causes of aggravated symptoms at night
- Posture-dependent congestion: When lying flat, the nasal mucosa is more prone to congestion and swelling due to gravity, resulting in aggravated nasal congestion, and the backflow of secretions stimulates the throat and causes coughing.
- Environmental allergen exposure: Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, etc. in the bedroom are continuously released at night, and the concentration of dander and dust mites in the bedding reaches a peak during sleep.
- Immune system fluctuations: Cortisol levels decrease at night, the immune system is more sensitive to allergens, and the inflammatory response is more intense.
Step-by-step treatment plan for nocturnal allergic rhinitis
Physical intervention: rapid symptom relief
- Nasal irrigation: Use saline or a dedicated nasal irrigator (such as DeepCozy Electric Nasal Irrigation System) for deep cleaning before going to bed. Its pulsed water flow can effectively remove allergens, secretions and inflammatory mediators in the nasal cavity and reduce mucosal irritation. Studies have shown that nasal irrigation twice a day can reduce symptoms by more than 40%.
- Local hot compress: Apply a warm towel to the nose for 10-15 minutes to promote blood circulation and relieve mucosal swelling. You can also use a steam inhaler to moisten the nasal cavity with warm steam and dilute viscous secretions.
- Posture adjustment: Sleeping on your side can reduce the pressure on the airway caused by the back of the tongue and prevent the accumulation of secretions. Raise the head of the bed by 15-20 degrees to use gravity to promote nasal drainage and relieve nasal congestion.
Environmental management: Reduce exposure to allergens
- Bedroom cleaning: Wash bed sheets, quilt covers and pillowcases with hot water above 55°C every week to kill dust mites; use anti-mite bedding and air purifiers to filter pollen, pet dander and other particulate matter.
- Humidity control: Keep indoor humidity at 40%-60%. When using a humidifier, change the water and clean it daily to avoid mold growth.
Pet management: If you are allergic to animal dander, you should avoid pets entering the bedroom and bathe and comb their hair regularly.
Special situation handling
- Pregnant women and children: Give priority to saline flushing and local hot compresses, avoid oral antihistamines and nasal hormones; if symptoms are severe, use loratadine or budesonide nasal spray under the guidance of a doctor.
- Combined asthma: It is necessary to control upper and lower airway inflammation at the same time, and use inhaled glucocorticoids (such as budesonide formoterol powder inhaler) and montelukast sodium in combination.
- Symptoms continue to worsen: If persistent nasal congestion, yellow-green nasal discharge, headache or fever occurs, sinusitis may be complicated, and you need to seek medical attention in time for nasal endoscopy and sinus CT examination.
The treatment of nocturnal allergic rhinitis should follow the principle of "prevention first, comprehensive intervention". Through physical relief, drug control, environmental optimization and immune regulation, we can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality. If self-management is not effective, be sure to see an otolaryngologist in time to develop an individualized treatment plan. Remember, the "night game" with allergic rhinitis is a protracted battle, but through scientific management, we can fully regain a peaceful night and plenty of energy.
