Allergic Rhinitis: Connection to Chronic Nasal Issues and Abdominal Pain

Nasal issues..?

Hello, doctor.
I have been suffering from nasal congestion and a runny nose for over a year without improvement.
After an endoscopic examination, the doctor diagnosed me with allergic rhinitis.
Recently, I have also been experiencing frequent nosebleeds.
I would like to ask if the nosebleeds could be caused by allergic rhinitis.
Additionally, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my upper and lower abdomen, as well as persistent discomfort and pressure in my lower back and rib area, which started around the same time as my nasal issues.
It has been over a year, and I still have not found relief.
I would like to know if there is a connection between these two issues, as I have consulted a gastroenterologist for the abdominal pain.

WWW, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/09/07

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello, chronic allergic rhinitis can lead to changes in the nasal mucosa and make blood vessels more prone to rupture and bleeding.
These are complications of overexertion.
It is generally recommended to undergo treatment for a period of time to restore normal function.
In rare cases of persistent bleeding, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Sincerely, Hsu Chia-Chen.

Reply Date: 2012/09/07

More Info

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to allergens, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Your description of persistent nasal congestion and rhinorrhea for over a year aligns with this diagnosis. The fact that you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds could indeed be related to allergic rhinitis. The inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages can lead to dryness and fragility of the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to bleeding, especially if you are frequently blowing your nose or if the air in your environment is dry.

Regarding your abdominal pain and discomfort, it is less common for allergic rhinitis to directly cause gastrointestinal symptoms. However, there are a few potential connections worth considering. First, chronic nasal congestion can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of the throat and can irritate the stomach, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. Additionally, if you are experiencing significant stress or anxiety related to your chronic nasal symptoms, this could manifest as abdominal pain or discomfort as well.

It is also important to consider that allergic rhinitis can coexist with other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause abdominal pain and discomfort. If you have been evaluated by a gastroenterologist and they have not found any specific gastrointestinal issues, it may be worth discussing the possibility of GERD or other related conditions with them.

In terms of management, it is crucial to address your allergic rhinitis effectively. This may include avoiding known allergens, using antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and saline nasal rinses to help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. If you are not already doing so, consider consulting with an allergist for a comprehensive evaluation and management plan tailored to your specific needs.

For your abdominal symptoms, it would be prudent to continue working with your gastroenterologist. Keeping a symptom diary may help identify any patterns or triggers related to your abdominal pain, which can be useful for diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, while allergic rhinitis can lead to nasal and sinus-related symptoms, its connection to abdominal pain is less direct. It is essential to address both your nasal and gastrointestinal symptoms with appropriate specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach to your health concerns.

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