Đặt lịch khám

UNDERSTAND ALLERGIC RHINITIS CORRECTLY TO LIVE HEALTHIER EVERY DAY

UNDERSTAND ALLERGIC RHINITIS CORRECTLY TO LIVE HEALTHIER EVERY DAY

24/09/2025

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucous membrane caused by the immune system being triggered by airborne allergens. When exposed to allergens, the body produces IgE antibodies, leading to the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, which cause typical symptoms such as itching, swelling, mucous discharge, and nasal congestion. 

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that significantly impacts quality of life, academic/work performance, sleep, and can be associated with other respiratory diseases such as sinusitis and asthma.

Classification

Classification of allergic rhinitis is often based on the timing (season) and frequency of symptoms:

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis: symptoms appear seasonally, due to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds when they bloom.

  • Perennial allergic rhinitis: progresses continuously or almost continuously throughout the year, often due to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mould, and pet dander.

Additionally, it can be classified by severity and the degree of nasal congestion, and whether it affects daily activities.

Artboard 1 copy-18
Causes

The primary causes of allergic rhinitis include:

1. Allergens:

  • Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.

  • Mold in the air.

  • Mold in the air.

  • Mold in the air.

2. Individual and genetic factors:

  • Having an allergic predisposition (atopy) – a genetic tendency to produce high IgE antibodies to allergens.

  • Early exposure to allergens or polluted environments can promote the development of allergies.

3. Environmental factors:

  • Air pollution, fine dust, smoke, irritants.

  • High humidity, indoor mold.

Artboard 1 copy 2-15
Symptoms

Typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis:

  • Frequent sneezing, especially in the early morning or when exposed to allergens.

  • Clear runny nose.

  • Nasal congestion or feeling stuffy.

  • Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, sometimes sneezing, and itchy eyes, watery eyes.

  • Reduced ability to smell when nasal congestion is severe.

  • Affects sleep, causing discomfort, daytime fatigue, potentially impacting work or study performance.

Artboard 1 copy 3-14
Diagnosis

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis includes:

1. Clinical history:

  • Determine the time of symptom onset, frequency, triggering factors, nocturnal impact, and effect on daily activities.

  • Inquire about suspected allergens (pollen, pet dander, house dust, mold).

2. Physical examination of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT):

  • Observe the nasal mucosa: edematous, congested.

  • Nasal saline irrigation or nasoendoscopy if necessary in cases of severe or serious congestion.

3. Specific allergen testing:

  • Skin prick test to identify the causative allergen.

  • Specific allergen serum IgE testing if skin is unsuitable or additional confirmation is needed.

4. Assess the level of impact and comorbidities:

  • Associated asthma, sinusitis, eczema, or conjunctivitis. 

  • Affects sleep, work capacity, or study.

Artboard 1 copy 4-8
Treatment

The treatment goals are to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, limit complications, and if possible, reduce immune sensitivity.

1. Avoidance or reduction of allergen exposure:

  • Keep your home clean, avoid dust, use dust-mite-proof pillow/mattress covers, and wash bedding frequently. 

  • Use HEPA filters, maintain appropriate humidity, and limit carpets and dust-collecting furniture. 

  • If you are allergic to pollen, close windows when pollen counts are high, and monitor pollen reports.

2. Medication use:

  • Antihistamines: Non-drowsy types are preferred; used orally or as a nasal spray if appropriate.

  • Intranasal corticosteroids: These are among the most effective methods for controlling mucositis.

  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Play a supportive role, especially if co-morbid asthma is present.

  • Decongestants: Used short-term to relieve nasal congestion; avoid overuse.

3. Immunotherapy

  • Includes subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) (drops or tablets under the tongue), aiming to reduce the immune system's sensitivity to allergens. 

  • Treatment duration typically lasts at least 3 years to achieve sustained efficacy after the treatment course ends.

4. Surgery:

Surgery is indicated when nasal obstruction is severe or persistent, caused by structural abnormalities (such as a deviated nasal septum, polyps), or when medical treatment is no longer effective.

5. Home support and care measures:

  • Rinse nose with physiological saline solution (saline irrigation) to remove allergens and secretions. 

  • Keep the sleeping environment clean, limit dust-collecting items, and control humidity.

Nguồn tham khảo:

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Raffles Medical Group

Raffles Medical Group

Raffles Medical Group

Johns Hopkins Medicine

----------------------  

Đăng ký khám và tư vấn tại Bệnh viện Quốc tế Mỹ (AIH) 
☎Hotline: (028) 3910 9999 
🌏Website: www.aih.com.vn 
📍Địa chỉ: (Lối vào 199 Nguyễn Hoàng) Số 6, Đường Bắc Nam 3, Phường Bình Trưng, TP. Hồ Chí Minh

  • bởi Admin AIH
  • Danh mục: Tin tức & Sự kiện

Để lại bình luận

Tin tức

Bác sĩ

Các chuyên gia tại AIH

Nguyen Dinh My

Nguyen Dinh My

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Dr Nguyen Dinh My has more than 30 years of experience in ENT and many published research studies an...