ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Do you often suffer from allergic rhinitis? Runny nose, blocked nose, itchy nose, a blunt sense of smell become your daily habits？

In fact, we can lower the chance of getting allergic rhinitis by preventing those factors that induce these symptoms.

FACTORS THAT INDUCE ALLERGIC RHINITIS	PREVENTIVE METHODS
Allergen stimulates nasal mucosa causing allergic reaction. Examples of allergen are: dust mite, pollen or fungus in your home hair/fur or skin scrapes of animals woollen clothes and down pillows	Avoid contact with allergens Keep a clean household environment and prevent accumulation of dust Prevent bathroom and kitchen walls or other dark damp corners getting mouldy. Keep the kitchen and bathroom dry and well ventilated. Anti-fungus or dehumidifying agent may be used Air-conditioner and heater can also become mouldy. Clean the appliance with a wet cloth regularly. Dust filter should be cleansed weekly When making the bed, lift the bedclothes gently to prevent dust from flying everywhere. Then wait for the dust to settle before going to bed. This can reduce the possibility of an allergic attack when you are sleeping Avoid growing flowering plants at home. In flowering seasons, avoid going to the parks
Chemicals such as cosmetics, paint, camphor and insecticides stimulate the nasal mucosa and exacerbate the symptoms	Avoid the use of makeup, perfume, and shampoo, soap or skin lotion that contain strong scent Wash bedclothes and place them under the sun regularly to prevent them from getting mouldy. Do not put moth balls or camphor together with clothes Only repaint the walls when the victim is not around. Wallpaper is an alternative Avoid using liquid or aerosol type of mosquito-repellant or insecticide. Choose electrical or tablet type instead
Certain food, e.g. seafood, alcoholic drinks, spicy food like chilli, pepper and curry can dilate the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa and exacerbate blocked nose	Avoid eating food that has caused allergic reaction before Taste a little bit first before enjoying a new kind of food Avoid hot, spicy food and alcohol
Air pollution or sudden weather change will induce or exacerbate the symptoms	Keep your house well ventilated, e.g. use an air purifier, install an extractor fan in the kitchen Avoid staying in air-polluted places No smoking around the victim In the seasons when influenza is common, avoid going to crowded places such as cinemas or restaurants Beware of sudden changes of temperature both indoor and outdoor, including: Temperature of air-conditioned room should not be too low, maintain a room temperature of about 25^oC Always bring a jacket when going to air-conditioned places Wear enough clothes when going out in the cold weather
Mental stress, anxiety or excessive fatigue can induce allergic rhinitis	Get enough sleep Avoid excessive fatigue Relax and be cheerful

Most of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are temporary, and will disappear gradually without special treatment. You can consult a doctor if necessary or when the symptoms become severe. Follow doctor’s instruction for proper medication.