Rhinitis Clinic
Rhinitis is a common condition that refers to inflammation of the nasal passages. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and postnasal drip (the feeling that mucus is draining down the back of your throat). Rhinitis can be temporary, caused by a cold or infection, or chronic (long-term) and may be the result of allergies, sinus problems or overuse of medications.비염한의원
Allergic rhinitis is usually triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, molds and pet dander. These can be seasonal (occurring only during a specific time of year) or perennial (happening all year). Rhinitis that is caused by these triggers is called hay fever and it is not actually due to allergies to hay or grass, but rather to many different kinds of pollen. Other allergens that can cause rhinitis include perfume, smoke, fumes, barometric pressure changes, infections and alcoholic beverages.
In addition to the typical symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion, people with allergic rhinitis often have itching in the nose or throat. They also might have a cough, a sense of fullness in the throat or a tingling sensation in the ears. Occasionally, people with allergy-induced rhinitis can have trouble sleeping or a headache.
Nonallergic rhinitis is sometimes mistaken for a cold or a sinus problem because the symptoms are similar. A diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis is usually made by doing a physical exam and asking about your symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you have nonallergic rhinitis, they may order skin or blood tests to make sure it isn’t caused by allergies. They might also perform a nasal endoscopy or CT scan to check for structural issues such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Treatment for rhinitis is usually based on how severe the symptoms are. Mild cases might respond to home treatment such as using a Neti pot or bulb syringe, using a humidifier and drinking lots of liquids. Over-the-counter or prescription drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays can relieve your symptoms. For chronic nonallergic rhinitis, your doctor might prescribe long-term medications or use other medical procedures such as nose surgery or sinus drainage to help control your symptoms.
If your rhinitis is triggered by airborne allergens, immunotherapy (immunotherapy) might be an option for you. This involves taking a pill that dissolves under the tongue called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This form of immunotherapy does not require shots and can be taken at home. It might take several months to see the results but it has been shown to be very effective in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is linked to asthma in some people and controlling it might help to control your asthma. Your ENT specialists at the rhinitis clinic will work with you to find out what is causing your symptoms so that you can breathe easier and enjoy life.라경찬한의원