2023-07-21 22:40:00
[분당서울대병원과 함께하는 건강 Tip] Jang Yoon-seok Professor, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Department of Allergy
Allergic rhinitis is a disease in which the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed due to an excessive immune response to allergens, which are allergens. It is so common that 1 in 3 of the population suffers from it.
-Symptoms and causes.
“Symptoms such as clear runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and nasal itching appear. It is not a life-threatening disease, but it can drastically lower the patient’s quality of life, and in particular, it makes them easily fatigued because it lowers the quality of sleep.
Allergic rhinitis is a type of immune response that is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. House dust mites, pollen, dander and hair of companion animals such as dogs and cats, cockroach antigens, and molds are representative allergens. In addition, allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are characterized by frequent familial occurrence.”
-How can you tell the difference between allergic rhinitis and a cold/asthma?
“Unlike a cold, allergic rhinitis does not cause sore throat, muscle pain, or fever, and the runny nose is not sticky and clear like water. A cold usually gets better within 2 weeks, but allergic rhinitis may last more than 2 weeks and may occur following exposure to aggravating factors in certain circumstances.
Allergic rhinitis and asthma have similar causes and aggravating factors. However, asthma is characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing as chronic allergic inflammation occurs in the ‘bronchi’ through which the breath passes. 40% of allergic rhinitis is accompanied by asthma, and 70-80% of asthma patients are accompanied by allergic rhinitis.”
-How to treat.
“The first is to avoid the causes and aggravating factors of the patient’s symptoms. The causative allergen can be found through an allergy skin prick test or blood test, and aggravating factors can be found. It is also important to take the prescribed medications properly.
For allergens that are difficult to avoid, such as house dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, it is good to consider immunotherapy to prevent allergic reactions from occurring later. Although the treatment period is relatively long, such as 3 to 5 years, symptoms improve a lot and a full recovery can be expected.”
– What happens if treatment is neglected?
“If the symptoms are mild and do not interfere with daily life, there is no major problem. In addition, the olfactory function may be lost, and sinusitis or otitis media may be accompanied, and in patients with asthma, asthma may be exacerbated. Therefore, if the symptoms are prolonged or severe, it is better to seek treatment.”
Jang Yoon-seok Professor, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Department of Allergy
Daeik Kwon Medical Reporter dkwon@hankookilbo.com
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