[Click! Health] Seasonal Change Unwelcome Guest Allergic Rhinitis... "Neglecting It Risks Asthma and Sinusitis"

Cause Identification and Treatment Plan Establishment Required

Allergic rhinitis.
Photo by Korea University Ansan Hospital

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] The medical community has advised that leaving allergic rhinitis untreated can lead to chronic diseases, so caution is necessary.

Professor Minyoung Seo of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Korea University Ansan Hospital advised, "It is important to identify the cause of the allergy through consultation with a specialist and establish a treatment plan."

Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the nasal mucosa exhibits a hypersensitive reaction to specific substances. When allergens are inhaled, the chemical histamine is released in the body, causing mucus production inside the nose and an inflammatory response with swelling of the mucous membrane. Allergic rhinitis is common, affecting about one in five Koreans. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, approximately 20% of the population has been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis at least once.

Professor Seo explained that the basic treatment for allergic rhinitis is to identify and avoid the causative substances as much as possible. Patients should visit a hospital for detailed testing to accurately diagnose the allergy triggers. The main causes of allergic rhinitis are known to be house dust mites, pollen, pet hair, insects, and mold. However, indoor pollutants, cold and dry air, and stress can also act as non-specific irritants triggering symptoms.

Treatment for allergic rhinitis patients mostly involves symptom control through medication, as it is realistically difficult to completely block or avoid pollen or house dust mites. Antihistamines or nasal steroid treatments are used to suppress hypersensitive reactions and relieve symptoms. While older medications caused drowsiness as a side effect, recently developed drugs have significantly fewer side effects compared to previous ones.

Immunotherapy, which involves long-term administration of small amounts of the causative antigen to regulate immune responses, is sometimes combined with other treatments. Especially in children, immunotherapy is recognized as the only treatment that prevents progression to asthma. Additionally, in cases where the nasal septum is deviated, the mucous membrane is swollen causing severe nasal congestion, or nasal blockage persists despite medication, septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction surgery may be considered.

Professor Seo emphasized, "Allergic rhinitis significantly lowers quality of life due to headaches from nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, decreased memory and concentration, and shows a significant correlation with asthma, sinusitis, and otitis media. Therefore, it should not be neglected and must be properly treated." She added, "Although there is no concept of complete cure for allergic rhinitis, through accurate diagnosis of causative substances, prevention, medication, and maintaining a comfortable surrounding environment, patients can lead a sufficiently comfortable daily life. If symptoms are present, I urge patients to consult a specialist promptly to establish a treatment plan."

Professor Minyoung Seo, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Korea University Ansan Hospital.
Photo by Korea University Ansan Hospital

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