【Common Diseases】Allergic Rhinitis
👃 Allergic Rhinitis Guide (Hong Kong Edition)
Do you have friends who constantly sneeze, have a runny nose, or experience nasal congestion, even waking up with a sore nose? As a sufferer of allergic rhinitis myself, I understand that feeling of "every season is a struggle." According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and various medical journals, allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition in which the immune system overreacts to certain allergens; it's more than just a cold.
1️⃣ Causes and common allergens (Hong Kong environmental factors)
In Hong Kong, common allergens include:
- Dust mites🪳 (especially mattresses, pillows, and quilts)
- Pollen🌼 (spring or flowering period of certain plants)
- Mold spores (humid environment, mold in corners)
- Animal dander 🐶🐱
- Air pollutants (vehicle exhaust, PM2.5, secondhand smoke)
Due to the humid weather in Hong Kong and the small living spaces, dust mites and mold are more likely to become problems, resulting in a higher proportion of patients suffering from year-round allergic rhinitis.
2️⃣ Main symptoms
- Sneezing (especially in the morning)
- clear nose
- nasal congestion
- Itchy nose and eyes
- Loss of smell
- Sometimes accompanied by a cough or a stuffy ear
If not properly treated for a long time, it may lead to sinusitis , otitis media or poor sleep quality .
3️⃣ Medical treatment methods (refer to commonly used methods in Hong Kong)
💊 Medication
-
Antihistamines
- Taken orally or as a nasal spray to reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching
- Newer drugs (such as loratadine and cetirizine) have fewer drowsiness side effects
-
Intranasal corticosteroids
- Such as Fluticasone and Mometasone, which can reduce inflammation and provide long-term symptom control
- It takes several weeks to be effective and must be used according to doctor's instructions
-
Decongestants
- Temporarily relieves nasal congestion, but long-term use may cause rebound nasal congestion
-
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
- Helps control symptoms of rhinitis and some asthma patients
💉 Immunotherapy (immune injection/sublingual tablet)
- Continuous exposure to low-dose stimulation of allergens gradually reduces the immune system response
- The treatment cycle is long (usually 2-3 years), suitable for patients who have insufficient response to drugs or want long-term desensitization
- Some ENT specialists or allergy centers in Hong Kong provide
4️⃣ Daily Prevention and Environmental Management (Editor’s Tips)
- To prevent dust mites : Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in hot water (≥60°C) every week; use dust mite-proof bed covers.
- Indoor dehumidification : Keep indoor humidity below 50% to avoid mold growth
- Reduce exposure to pet dander : If you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom
- Air filtration : Use a HEPA filter air purifier (especially in the bedroom)
- Outdoor Pollen Season Note : Avoid prolonged outdoor activities on high pollen days
- Quit smoking : Avoid secondhand smoke irritating the nasal cavity
5️⃣ Common myths among Hong Kong patients
-
"Is rhinitis the same as a cold?" ❌
Allergic rhinitis is not caused by a virus and is not contagious, but it can recur over a long period of time. -
"Is it possible that it will heal on its own?" ❌
If left untreated for a long time, it may affect sleep, study, work performance, and even cause other respiratory diseases. -
"Can food and medicine be addictive?" ❌
Antihistamine and steroid nasal sprays, when used as directed by a doctor, are generally not addictive and can improve your quality of life.
6️⃣ Editor’s Summary
As a Hong Kong resident, especially if you live in a small, damp apartment, allergic rhinitis can easily become a "long-term roommate." We recommend that if symptoms persist or interfere with your daily life, you should consult a family doctor or ENT specialist as soon as possible. Avoid prescribing medication on your own. By combining environmental management with a doctor's prescription, you can truly control the condition and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
