Managing Severe Allergic Rhinitis: Tips for High School Students

Q: Managing Severe Allergic Rhinitis: Tips for High School Students

Hello Yuan Yuan： Your description is insufficient to make a diagnosis. <br>Please seek assistance from an otolaryngologist nearby.

Allergic rhinitis

Hello Doctor, I am a high school student.
I have had allergic rhinitis since I was very young, and it is quite severe.
My mother also has it, so it seems to be hereditary.
I have seen countless doctors, both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
They all seem to be at a loss.
I have tried various home remedies.
My condition is that I often sneeze uncontrollably in the morning before getting up, or I have nasal congestion.
I am allergic for about 10 hours out of 24.
It gets particularly worse in winter, and I almost always breathe through my mouth at night.
One common piece of advice from doctors is to avoid cold foods.
However, it is really difficult not to eat cold things in the summer, so the medications I take do not seem to make a significant difference; any relief is only temporary.
Right now, as I type, I am also dealing with a runny nose.
This has been a problem for me for over a decade, and I don’t know what to do.
I have even tried the most extreme treatment, which involved inserting two long sticks coated with medication into my nostrils (not the kind commonly used in Western medicine).
After that, I had three days of nosebleeds.
Each session costs around ten thousand, but it was ineffective.
I hope you can provide me with some information or treatment options.
Thank you, Doctor.

Yuan Yuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/01/29

Dr. Jian Huangqi reply Otolaryngology

Hello Yuan Yuan: Your description is insufficient to make a diagnosis.
Please seek assistance from an otolaryngologist nearby.

Reply Date: 2004/01/29

More Info

Managing severe allergic rhinitis, especially for high school students, can be quite challenging, particularly when symptoms have persisted for many years. Your experience with allergic rhinitis, characterized by symptoms such as frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, and reliance on mouth breathing, is not uncommon. It’s important to understand that allergic rhinitis is often triggered by environmental allergens, and in your case, it seems to be exacerbated by seasonal changes and possibly hereditary factors.

Understanding Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact your quality of life, especially during school hours when concentration is crucial.

Management Strategies
1. Avoidance of Triggers: The first step in managing allergic rhinitis is to identify and avoid triggers. This can include:
- Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons.

- Using air purifiers in your room to reduce indoor allergens.

- Regularly cleaning your living space to minimize dust and mold.

2. Medications: While you mentioned that medications have not provided significant relief, it’s worth discussing various options with your healthcare provider:
- Antihistamines: These can help reduce sneezing and itching. Non-drowsy options like loratadine or cetirizine can be taken during the day.

- Nasal Corticosteroids: These are often the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. They reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and can significantly alleviate symptoms. Examples include fluticasone and mometasone.

- Decongestants: These can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion but should not be used for extended periods due to potential rebound congestion.

3. Allergy Testing: If you haven’t already, consider seeing an allergist for testing. Identifying specific allergens can help tailor your management plan more effectively.

4. Immunotherapy: For long-term relief, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be an option. This treatment gradually desensitizes your immune system to specific allergens, potentially providing lasting relief even after treatment ends.

5. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: While some believe that avoiding cold foods can help, there is limited scientific evidence to support this. However, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can support overall health.

- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus and reduce congestion.

- Nasal Irrigation: Using saline nasal sprays or a neti pot can help clear allergens and mucus from your nasal passages.

6. Consultation with Specialists: Since you have seen multiple doctors without satisfactory results, it may be beneficial to consult an allergist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and management plan.

Coping Mechanisms
As a high school student, managing your symptoms while maintaining your academic performance is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Plan Ahead: If you know certain seasons trigger your symptoms, prepare by having your medications ready and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times.

- Communicate: Let your teachers know about your condition. They may be able to provide accommodations during allergy seasons.

- Stress Management: Allergies can be stressful, especially when they interfere with school. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.

Conclusion
Managing severe allergic rhinitis is a multifaceted approach that requires patience and persistence. While it can be frustrating, especially after years of trying various treatments, working closely with healthcare professionals can lead to a more effective management plan tailored to your specific needs. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are many resources available to help you navigate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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