Spring should be a beautiful time of rebirth and vitality. However, for those suffering from allergic rhinitis, it is often accompanied by painful symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, which seriously affect their quality of life. Understanding the causes of allergic rhinitis, distinguishing it from acute rhinitis, and mastering scientific treatments are the keys to relieving the troubles of spring allergies.
How does allergic rhinitis develop?
Allergic rhinitis doesn't just occur out of nowhere; it's the result of a combination of factors.
Genetics plays a significant role. If there are family members with allergic diseases, such as parents or siblings with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema, the individual's risk of developing allergic rhinitis is significantly increased. Genetics predispose these individuals to a more sensitive immune system to certain substances, making them more likely to identify them as "enemies" and trigger allergic reactions.
Exposure to allergens is the direct trigger. A wide variety of allergens are present in the spring air, with pollen being one of the most common. Pollen is released at different times depending on the plant, and can be present from early to late spring. Dust mites are also a common allergen. They prefer warm and humid environments. When indoor humidity rises in spring, dust mites reproduce faster, and their carcasses and excrement become allergens. Animal dander and mold spores can also trigger allergic rhinitis in spring.
Immune system dysfunction is the core mechanism. When allergens enter the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful substances, triggering an immune response. Immune cells release inflammatory mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes, which dilate blood vessels in the nasal mucosa and increase permeability, causing symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Environmental and lifestyle factors also influence the development of allergic rhinitis. Factors such as air pollution, climate change, excessive stress, and lack of sleep can weaken the nasal mucosa's barrier function, making it easier for allergens to enter and trigger an allergic reaction.
How to Determine Whether It's Acute Rhinitis or Allergic Rhinitis
Accurately distinguishing between acute rhinitis and allergic rhinitis facilitates targeted treatment. In terms of onset speed, acute rhinitis typically develops rapidly, with noticeable symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose appearing within hours. Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, typically worsens within minutes of exposure to the allergen. For example, sneezing and a runny nose may occur soon after exposure to a high pollen concentration.
The duration of symptoms is also crucial for diagnosis. Acute rhinitis symptoms typically last 7-10 days, gradually easing as the body recovers and the immune system clears the allergen. Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is recurrent, and symptoms may persist for weeks or even months with continued exposure to the allergen.
Accompanying symptoms also vary. In addition to nasal symptoms, acute rhinitis may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue, which are a response to the viral infection. Allergic rhinitis primarily presents with localized symptoms such as itchy nose, eyes, and throat, with systemic symptoms being relatively rare.
In terms of triggering factors, acute rhinitis is often caused by viral infections, such as the common cold virus, while allergic rhinitis is triggered by specific allergens, such as pollen and dust mites. A nasal examination can also provide some clues. In acute rhinitis, the nasal mucosa becomes congested and swollen, with discharge initially clear and watery, but later becoming mucopurulent. In allergic rhinitis, the nasal mucosa appears pale and swollen, with discharge consistently clear and watery. A nasal smear may also reveal eosinophilia.
Scientific Solutions
Physical Prevention: Eliminating Allergens
Eliminating allergens is the primary measure for preventing and controlling allergic rhinitis.
For environmental control, use an air purifier to filter out allergens from the air. Open windows regularly for ventilation, but avoid morning and evening hours when pollen concentrations are higher. Keep indoor humidity below 50%, as dust mites thrive in humid environments. Those with pollen allergies should minimize going out in the spring. If necessary, wear an N95 mask and protective glasses. Upon returning home, change clothes and shower and wash your hair immediately to remove any pollen that may be on your body. Those allergic to dust mites should wash their bedding weekly with water above 55°C, use mite-resistant mattresses and pillows, keep their homes clean and dry, and clean regularly to reduce the breeding of dust mites.
Nasal irrigation is also an effective physical defense method. Rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution once or twice daily can remove allergens and inflammatory secretions from the nasal cavity and reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa. You can use nasal drops, nasal sprays, or a nasal rinser, allowing the saline solution to flow into one nostril and out the other nostril or mouth.
Exercise Changes Constitution
Exercise plays an important role in improving the constitution and immune function of patients with allergic rhinitis.
Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation, enhance blood supply to the nasal mucosa, and improve local immunity. Exercise can also regulate the Th1/Th2 immune balance and reduce the secretion of allergy-related cytokines (such as IL-4 and IL-5), thereby reducing the intensity of allergic reactions. Regular exercise can lower levels of stress hormones (such as cortisol) and alleviate allergic symptoms exacerbated by stress. When choosing an exercise method, choose low- to moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga. Exercise 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. It's important to avoid outdoor exercise during periods of high pollen concentrations. If exercising indoors, ensure good air circulation. Clean your nose and skin promptly after exercise to prevent allergen buildup.
Although spring allergic rhinitis can cause significant distress to patients, understanding its causes, accurately distinguishing the type of condition, and adopting scientific solutions, such as physical defenses to eliminate allergens and exercise to improve physical fitness, can effectively control symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients should develop a personalized treatment plan based on their individual circumstances, under the guidance of a doctor, to proactively address the challenges of spring allergies and enjoy the beautiful spring.
