Every spring and autumn, when the air is thick with the scent of pollen, many people begin experiencing frequent sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion—symptoms that may be typical of seasonal rhinitis. Others, however, experience the same symptoms regardless of the season, as long as they are exposed to allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. These two seemingly similar conditions—seasonal rhinitis and allergic rhinitis—actually differ significantly in their pathogenesis, triggers, course, and treatment strategies.
Pathogenesis and Triggers
Seasonal rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is essentially a specific type of allergic rhinitis. Its core mechanism is an IgE-mediated type I allergic reaction. When the human immune system overreacts to seasonal pollen (such as tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in summer, and weed pollen in autumn), mast cells release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, triggering symptoms such as nasal mucosal edema and increased secretions.
Allergic rhinitis consists of two subtypes: seasonal and perennial. For chronic rhinitis sufferers, allergens are often persistent indoors, such as house dust mites, cockroach secretions, animal dander, and mold spores. These allergens breed in mattresses, carpets, air conditioning filters, and other areas, leading to recurring symptoms year-round. For example, even if someone with dust mite allergies keeps doors and windows closed in winter, high indoor humidity can trigger symptoms.
Methods for Relieving Discomfort:
Nasal Rinse with Normal Saline: Whether it's seasonal or allergic rhinitis, the nasal cavity accumulates a large amount of secretions and allergens. Using a normal saline nasal rinse can remove these substances, reduce irritation of the nasal mucosa, and alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Use a dedicated nasal irrigator and follow the instructions two to three times daily.
Cold Compress: Applying a cool towel to the nose can constrict nasal blood vessels, reduce congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, and thus relieve nasal congestion and pain. Apply the cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes each time, and can be repeated multiple times daily.
Characteristics of the Disease Course
The symptoms of seasonal rhinitis show a distinct temporal pattern. Symptoms peak during the spring tree pollen season (March-May) and the autumn weed pollen season (August-October). Symptoms typically occur when pollen concentrations peak, persisting for two to three months before resolving naturally. The nasal mucosa fully returns to its normal structure during the non-pollen season.
The perennial subtype of allergic rhinitis presents with chronic inflammation. Patients may experience daily symptoms due to constant exposure to allergens, leading to chronic edema of the nasal mucosa and a high risk of developing nasal polyps or chronic sinusitis. Studies show that approximately 30% of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis also have asthma, compared to less than 10% of those with seasonal rhinitis.
Steam inhalation: Prepare a cup of hot water, place your nose close to the cup, cover your head and the cup with a towel, and inhale the steam. The steam moistens the nasal mucosa, thins viscous secretions, facilitates drainage, and relieves nasal dryness and itching. Inhale for 10-15 minutes each time, three to four times a day.
Symptoms
Both types of rhinitis present with nasal itching, paroxysmal sneezing, watery rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion as core symptoms, but seasonal rhinitis is more likely to be accompanied by ocular allergies. Approximately 50% of patients with seasonal rhinitis experience conjunctival congestion, tearing, and itching, which is related to direct irritation of the conjunctiva by pollen particles. Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, however, may experience complications such as chronic pharyngitis and sleep apnea due to long-term inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
The differences in symptoms among specific populations warrant attention. Children with seasonal rhinitis may frequently rub their noses due to itching, leading to horizontal wrinkling of the nasal skin (the allergic salute). Pregnant women may experience exacerbated symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations, and physical therapy such as saline irrigation is preferred. In the elderly, symptoms may be misdiagnosed as dry rhinitis due to nasal mucosal atrophy.
Relief:
Eye drops: For patients with ocular allergy symptoms, anti-allergic eye drops such as sodium cromoglycate eye drops and olopatadine eye drops can be used. Used according to the instructions, they can relieve symptoms such as itching and conjunctival congestion. Adjust your sleeping position: If you have severe nasal congestion, adjusting your sleeping position can improve breathing. When sleeping on your side, turn the affected side upward to reduce congestion and swelling in the nasal mucosa, allowing for smoother nasal airflow. For example, if you have severe left-sided nasal congestion, sleep on your right side.
Prevention Strategies
Prevention of seasonal rhinitis has a time window. During pollen season, patients should pay attention to pollen concentration forecasts released by meteorological authorities. Open windows for ventilation after rain when pollen concentrations are low. Wear an N95 mask and goggles when going out, and change clothes and wash your face immediately upon returning home.
Prevention of perennial allergic rhinitis should be integrated into daily life. Those with dust mite allergies should wash their bedding weekly in hot water above 55°C and use a dust mite remover on their mattress. Those with pet allergies should avoid pets or restrict their access to the bedroom. Those with mold allergies should promptly clean any accumulated water in the bathroom and use a dehumidifier to control indoor humidity.
Methods to alleviate discomfort:
Increase exercise: Appropriate physical exercise can strengthen your body and boost your immunity, helping to prevent and relieve rhinitis. Choose an exercise that suits you, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, and do it 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time.
Keep your home clean: Clean your room regularly to remove allergens such as dust and mites. Using an air purifier can filter out tiny particles in the air and improve indoor air quality. Also, ensure good ventilation and avoid polluted air.
While seasonal rhinitis and allergic rhinitis may have similar symptoms, they are fundamentally different conditions. The former is caused by the immune system's hyper-alertness to seasonal allergens, while the latter is a chronic inflammation caused by long-term exposure to environmental irritants. Understanding these differences can help patients take more targeted preventive measures and choose the most appropriate treatment. Furthermore, mastering the methods mentioned above to alleviate the discomfort of rhinitis can effectively reduce pain during flare-ups, ultimately achieving both symptom control and improved quality of life.
