In these rapidly cold times, not only is the air dry, but the daily temperature difference increases, so symptoms related to allergic rhinitis are likely to worsen. Therefore, it can be seen as a time when management is even more necessary. Allergic rhinitis is a disease that causes hypersensitivity to the nasal mucosa due to external stimuli. There is a high possibility that symptoms may worsen during seasonal changes, so it is important to improve one’s constitution and manage immunity at the appropriate time.
Allergic rhinitis is caused by continuous exposure to certain allergens such as animal fur, house dust mites, and pollen. In addition, it can be caused by genetics. If at least one parent suffers from an allergic disease, there is about a 50% chance of developing it, and if both parents suffer from an allergic disease, there is a high chance of developing it about 75%.
The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis include clear runny nose, nasal congestion, and paroxysmal sneezing. Because all of these symptoms are similar to colds, they are often neglected. If left untreated for a long period of time, problems such as sinusitis, otitis media, asthma, and nasal polyps can occur, so an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a medical staff is provided at an early stage. You need to receive.
To avoid allergic rhinitis, which reduces the quality of life, it is necessary to first keep the indoor environment clean. In addition, it is recommended to wear a mask to avoid substances that cause allergies, but if rhinitis symptoms have worsened to the point where it is difficult to manage with these methods alone, it is advisable to improve symptoms through immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is carried out by inducing immune tolerance by administering allergy-inducing ingredients to the skin or under the tongue. Simply put, it improves allergic rhinitis symptoms by inducing a normal immune response in relation to substances that cause allergies.
Immunotherapy is carried out using drugs or injections, and the dosage is gradually increased over about 3 to 4 months. Once a certain dosage is reached, it is recommended to receive a prescription at monthly intervals. In the case of immunotherapy, it is important to accurately identify the cause of the allergy, so it is important to undergo a detailed allergy test and receive the help of an experienced medical staff.
Lee Dong-jae, director of Yeongjongdo Clear Sky Otolaryngology Clinic, said, “If the inferior turbinate is enlarged or rhinitis is progressing due to a deviated septum, it is important to remove the fundamental cause through rhinitis surgery.” “In relation to rhinitis surgery, inferior turbinate reduction surgery is important.” , Septum correction surgery can be considered, but the know-how and technical skills of the medical staff are important as it can be treated correctly only when the nasal structure, which differs depending on the individual, is accurately identified,” he advised.
He added, “In order to prevent allergic rhinitis, you should try to avoid the causative substances that cause rhinitis symptoms as much as possible,” adding, “It is important to keep the indoor environment clean and make it a habit to wear a mask when going out.”
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Guest 2: Certainly! Immunotherapy works by introducing small, controlled amounts of the allergen into the patient’s body over a period of time, which helps the immune system become less reactive to that allergen. Patients can expect to see a gradual reduction in their allergy symptoms, and for many, this can lead to long-term relief, even after treatment has stopped. It’s important to note that the effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it usually requires a commitment of several months to a few years to achieve optimal results.
Guest 1: Dr. Lee Dong-jae, Director of Yeongjongdo Clear Sky Otolaryngology Clinic
Guest 2: Dr. Kim Jin-hee, Immunologist at World Allergy Clinic
Interviewer: Hi, I’m glad to have you both here today. Let’s start with a general question about allergic rhinitis. What are its main symptoms and how does it affect a person’s health if left untreated?
Guest 1: Allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms such as a clear runny nose, nasal congestion, and paroxysmal sneezing. These symptoms can be similar to those of a common cold, but if left untreated, they can lead to more severe health issues like sinusitis, otitis media, asthma, and even nasal polyps. The quality of life of the individual can also be greatly impacted.
Guest 2: Absolutely, allergic rhinitis is a condition that can make daily activities quite difficult for people. In addition to the symptoms mentioned by Dr. Lee, it can also cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability due to lack of sleep. It’s important for people to seek medical attention if they experience persistent or worsening symptoms.
Interviewer: What are some steps that individuals can take to prevent or manage allergic rhinitis?
Guest 1: Maintaining a clean indoor environment is crucial to prevent allergic rhinitis. This includes regular cleaning of bedding, using air purifiers, and reducing exposure to potential allergens like animal fur or pollen. Additionally, wearing a mask when outside can help prevent contact with allergens and manage symptoms.
Guest 2: Immunotherapy, or desensitization therapy, can be an effective way to manage allergic rhinitis. This involves gradually exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen in order to build tolerance over time. However, it’s important to undergo a detailed allergy test first to identify the specific culprit allergens.
Interviewer: You mentioned immunotherapy. Can you explain how it works and what kind of results
