Allergic rhinitis: understanding this underrated "little cold"
Allergic rhinitis is not a cold, and it is not something you just put up with because of a "weak constitution". Proper management can greatly improve quality of life.
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What allergic rhinitis is
Allergic rhinitis is non-infectious inflammation of the nasal lining that happens when the body comes into contact with allergens such as house dust mite or pollen. Typical signs are bouts of sneezing, clear runny nose, itchy nose and a blocked nose. It is often mistaken for "repeated colds".
Common triggers
House dust mite (bedding, fabric sofas), pollen (trees in spring, weeds in autumn), pet dander, mould spores and so on. Some people have a family history of allergy.
Telling it apart from a cold
A cold usually clears up on its own in 7-10 days, with a sore throat and a mild fever. Allergy symptoms appear as soon as you contact the allergen and can last for weeks to months, and the more you rub your nose, the itchier it gets.
What you can do day to day
Change and wash bedding often and dry it on a high heat setting, open windows less and go out less during pollen season, wear a mask when you go out, and wash your face and nasal passages after getting home. If symptoms keep affecting your life, it is best to visit the allergy department at a regular hospital, where a doctor can assess you and make a plan.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.