Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
This condition, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an abnormal reaction characterized primarily by nasal mucosal lesions due to increased sensitivity of the body to certain allergens. Clinically, it is divided into two types: perennial allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called pollen disease or hay fever), with the former being more common.
Paroxysmal nasal itching is the initial symptom, followed by paroxysmal, continuous sneezing, then copious, uncontrollable clear nasal discharge, and variable degrees of nasal obstruction. After the symptoms subside, they gradually fade away; typical cases experience episodes every morning or every few days to several weeks.
Etiology includes: (1) genetic factors, inherited from one or both parents, but more commonly from the maternal side. (2) nasal mucosa sensitized by allergens such as inhaled pollen, dust, fungi; ingested milk, fish, shrimp, eggs; contact with cosmetics, animal fur, alcohol; injection of penicillin, streptomycin, serum preparations, etc. (3) infection, which can trigger or exacerbate allergic reactions, especially asthma. Additionally, physical factors like cold, heat, humidity, sunlight, and endocrine imbalance may play a role.
During acute episodes, nasal mucosa shows edema, pallor, or purple-gray discoloration, particularly affecting the inferior turbinate, with abundant watery secretions in the nasal cavity. During remission periods, the nasal mucosa may appear completely normal; chronic and severe cases may show polypoid changes or actual polyps. Microscopic examination of nasal secretions reveals increased eosinophils. Diagnosis is confirmed based on typical paroxysmal history, pale and swollen nasal mucosa, and increased eosinophils in secretions.
Specific treatment involves avoiding identified allergens immediately upon detection, or using desensitizing extracts made from the allergens for specific desensitization therapy. Non-specific treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, nasal drops, etc., which can relieve and reduce symptoms. Surgical intervention should be considered if nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, or deviated septum are present.
Allergic rhinitis falls under the category of "nose" disorders. The root cause lies in the kidneys, while the manifestation relates to the lungs and spleen. It may be congenital or acquired postnatally. Deficient lung Qi leads to weak defensive Qi, loose pores, allowing wind-cold pathogens to invade, resulting in conflict between pathogenic and healthy Qi, impaired lung function, stagnation of fluids, and obstruction of the nasal passages, causing frequent sneezing; kidney water overacting on the spleen, impairing fluid transformation, and loss of Qi control over fluids results in persistent clear nasal discharge; deficient kidney Qi fails to consolidate, Qi disperses upward without returning to its source, leading to prolonged symptoms. Treatment generally focuses on the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, aiming to tonify Qi and strengthen the exterior, regulate the lungs and stop sneezing, warm and supplement kidney Qi, supplemented by herbs that unblock nasal passages and dispel wind-pathogens. This condition belongs to cold syndrome, so treatment should be warming.
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