Rhinitis Treatment
Rhinitis is a common disorder that can be triggered by environmental allergens and other factors. It can be seasonal, perennial or persistent, and it can affect the quality of life and aggravate other conditions such as asthma. The symptoms include sneezing, nasal itching, congestion and nose drainage. These symptoms can be triggered by allergens such as cigarette smoke, pet hair or dander, dust mites and mold. Other triggers can be irritants such as perfumes, strong smells, and cleaning products. The condition can also be a side effect of medications including antidepressants and aspirin. It can also be caused by nonallergic factors such as being older than age 20, hormonal changes (especially during the first trimester of pregnancy or oral contraceptive use) and lingering health problems such as chronic fatigue syndrome, an underactive thyroid and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).비염한의원
Allergic rhinitis can occur seasonally or all year round and is usually triggered by exposure to pollen, trees, grass and animals. It can also be triggered by odours, certain foods and spices, or cold air. It can be episodic or continuous and can be exacerbated by stress and exertion. Some people with allergies are able to identify their allergens by a process called skin testing, which involves putting tiny amounts of different allergens on the skin and seeing which cause a reaction. Blood tests are also available to determine your immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis is usually a combination of avoiding known triggers, decreasing symptom severity and taking medication. The most important drug is intranasal corticosteroids, which can reduce symptoms and decrease inflammation and swelling of the mucosal lining of the nose and throat. They are particularly useful in reducing sneezing, congestion and runny nose. Intranasal cromolycate and leukotriene receptor antagonists (such as nasonex) can help with nasal itching. Second-generation oral antihistamines (such as desloratadine [Aerius], fexofenadine [Allergan], and cetirizine [Zyrtec]) are also effective, especially the newer ones that have lower blood pressure and less sedation.
Perennial rhinitis can be triggered by seasonal allergens, such as pollen, but is more commonly caused by irritants such as cigarette or other smoke, perfumes and strong odors. It can also be a side effect of some medications, such as birth control pills and antidepressants.
Surgical procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal septoplasty and balloon sinuplasty can be helpful for select patients with refractory nonallergic rhinitis. They can reduce symptoms such as nasal blockage and postnasal drainage and improve nasal airflow, but they are not as effective as intranasal steroids. Currently, the only surgical therapy approved by the FDA for nonallergic rhinitis is the anti-IgE monoclonal antibody omalizumab (trade name Bexserone). This has been shown to be more effective than placebo in improving symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal itching in some studies, but is not yet proven to be more effective than other medications.라경찬한의원