Rhinitis, which means inflammation of the nasal passages, causes sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It can be caused by allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, molds, animal dander, or fumes and odors), viruses and bacteria, medications (including birth control pills or decongestants), hormonal changes, and smoke. It can also be a result of structural problems (such as a deviated septum) or a chronic sinus infection. The symptoms can be mild to severe and come and go, or they can be constant.축농증치료
A doctor will diagnose rhinitis by performing a physical exam and reviewing your medical history. In addition, the doctor may order skin and blood tests to rule out allergies. A CT scan or sinus endoscopy may be used to check for structural problems like a deviated septum.
Allergy – Rhinitis treatment is typically based on antihistamines and/or intranasal corticosteroids. Antihistamines relieve itching and sneezing but do not reduce congestion. They are available without prescription in first- and second-generation antihistamines such as desloratadine (Aerius), fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), or cetirizine (Zyrtec). These nonsedating oral antihistamines reduce sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea by blocking the release of histamine and other chemical mediators from mast cells in the upper respiratory tract. They are often taken in combination with intranasal steroids and/or decongestants to improve symptom relief. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting formulas.
Symptom Improvement with Newer Antihistamines
In allergic rhinitis, the response to second-generation antihistamines (eg, bisulfate and guaifenesin, levocetirizine [Zyrtec], and loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine) is a strong predictor of a positive skin-prick test result. These antihistamines, which are not as sedating as the older first-generation antihistamines (eg, brompheniramine maleate [Dimetane], chlorpheniramine maleate [Chlor-Tripolon]), have been shown to significantly reduce sneezing, itching and rhinorrhea. They are also available in long-acting formulations, which can be more convenient than taking several short-acting antihistamines every day.
The bronchodilator ipratropium bromide (sample brand name ATROPINE) is also very effective in the treatment of chronic allergic rhinitis by relieving sneezing and itching, as well as increasing nasal airflow. It is important to remember that ipratropium bromide should only be used as part of a complete rhinitis treatment plan. When a patient’s rhinitis does not respond to oral or intranasal antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, or combination corticosteroid/antihistamine sprays, consideration should be given to allergen immunotherapy. However, the initiation of allergy therapy should not delay other therapies for rhinitis, especially if the symptoms are moderate to severe. This will help ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of future complications.라경찬한의원