Annoying rhinitis that comes with seasonal changes! Self-care! The secret to clearing a blocked nose

 

 

Rhinitis is a respiratory condition that is difficult to cure, so it is very important for patients to manage their symptoms on their own on a regular basis.

I will introduce my simple yet highly effective method for self-treating rhinitis!

 

First, I will briefly explain about rhinitis.

 

What is rhinitis?

 

Rhinitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa characterized by one or more symptoms such as rhinorrhea (runny nose), sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.

 

Causes of rhinitis

 

Rhinitis is broadly classified into allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is caused by house dust mites, pollen, pet hair, dust, and other allergens. Non-allergic rhinitis occurs due to issues with the nasal structure, hormonal imbalances, autonomic nervous system problems, medications, and other factors.

 

Symptoms of rhinitis

 

The main symptoms of rhinitis include runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, itching, sneezing, post-nasal drip, tearing, and chronic fatigue.

 

 

What are the self-treatment methods for rhinitis?

Rhinitis is one of the diseases that is difficult to cure completely. It can also easily recur due to changes in seasons or environment. Therefore, it is very important for rhinitis patients to manage their symptoms well on a daily basis. Removing the causes that trigger rhinitis and eliminating bad habits can help you get rid of rhinitis.

 

I will share with you five self-care methods that I regularly practice.

 

1. Controlling indoor temperature and humidity

It is very important to control indoor temperature and humidity to appropriate levels for rhinitis.

Dry air can irritate the nasal mucous membranes and worsen rhinitis.

 

The appropriate indoor humidity for patients with rhinitis is 50-60%, and the indoor temperature is 23-24°C. Depending on the season, a humidifier or dehumidifier should be used appropriately to maintain indoor temperature and humidity at suitable levels.

 

2. Avoid cold foods

 

Cold drinks or foods constrict the blood vessels in the nasal passages, worsening rhinitis.

Therefore, it is recommended to mainly consume warm foods regularly. Additionally, it is important to consume sufficient amounts of foods that are good for rhinitis, such as seaweed, fermented foods, fruits, omega-3, soybeans, and green vegetables.

 

3. Wear a mask

 

Wearing a mask when going out can effectively block dust and harmful substances from the outside. Additionally, regularly ventilating indoor spaces and frequently washing towels and bedding to remove dust are recommended. House dust mites and mold are also causes of rhinitis, so cleaning the house regularly is beneficial.

 

4. Nasal irrigation

 

The most recommended self-treatment method for rhinitis is nasal irrigation. Using saline solution for nasal rinsing reduces irritation of the nasal mucosa and is very effective in alleviating rhinitis symptoms. It is advisable to perform nasal irrigation once a day, and on days with high levels of fine dust, it is beneficial to do it in the morning and evening.

 

5. Using nasal spray steroids

 

Nasal cavity steroids are medications used to treat rhinitis and other nasal conditions.

It has the effect of reducing the main symptoms of rhinitis such as runny nose, nasal congestion, itching, and sneezing. Unlike rhinitis sprays that have a quick effect but easily lead to tolerance, this medication's effect appears more slowly but rarely causes tolerance, making it safer for long-term use. It is recommended to use it consistently for at least two weeks, and since it is applied locally to the nasal cavity, it has the advantage of having almost no side effects.

 

 

As shown above, I consistently aim for self-treatment and am more careful in my daily habits. In fact, it is said that allergic rhinitis is not easy to cure completely and that lifelong management is important.

Rather than not managing at all and just taking medication every time, I think it's better to consistently maintain healthy habits to keep my body in good condition!

 

Let's all practice self-care with the goal of staying healthy :)