When should you see a doctor for allergic rhinitis?

MSc.-MD TRUONG DANG KHOA, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Thu Duc Regional General Hospital (Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City), replied: Allergic rhinitis is a fairly common disease in the world as well as in Vietnam. According to epidemiological reports, the rate of respiratory allergies accounts for 10% -15% of the world's population. In Vietnam, allergic rhinitis accounts for about 32% of ENT diseases. Nowadays, the climate is increasingly harsh, environmental pollution is increasing, so the rate of allergic diseases is also increasing.

Although not a dangerous disease, if allergic rhinitis is not treated and not well controlled, it will cause many complications and greatly affect the patient's quality of life. If not treated promptly and properly, the disease can progress and cause complications such as nasal polyps, acute sinusitis, otitis media, etc.

Typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis include: itchy nose; long bouts of sneezing with or without itchy, watery eyes; nasal congestion; clear, watery nasal discharge that does not stain a handkerchief. In addition, some typical patients may see a horizontal crease in the lower third of the bridge of the nose caused by rubbing the nose with the palm of the hand from bottom to top.

If severe symptoms appear such as: nasal congestion, swelling and pain in the nasal cavity; severe cough and fever; poor appetite or refusal to eat; weight loss, insomnia; severe allergies to the point of edema; difficulty breathing, you should go to the hospital immediately.

To prevent the disease, you need to avoid contact with allergens such as: Clean the living and working environment; keep your nose clean, wash your nose with saline; exercise, improve your physical strength and resistance; do not smoke, do not use stimulants, limit alcohol. If the condition is mild, you can use medication and wash your nose regularly. However, if the above methods do not improve, you must see a doctor for more in-depth intervention.

H.Yen recorded

Source: https://nld.com.vn/suc-khoe/viem-mui-di-ung-khi-nao-can-gap-bac-si-2023083019510694.htm