Chronic allergic rhinitis, cured with 'surgery'?

If you wake up in the morning with 10 or more consecutive sneezes, a stuffy nose, a watery discharge, or itchy nose and eyes, you should suspect allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, affecting 10-20% of the population. While there's no cure for allergic rhinitis, symptoms can be alleviated with medication or surgery.

 

◇If a parent has an allergy, there is a 40-80% chance that their child will develop it.

 

There are two main causes of allergic rhinitis. The first is genetics. Professor Cho Hyung-joo of the Department of Otolaryngology at Severance Hospital stated, "If there's a family history of allergies, children may be more sensitive to various allergens. If a parent has allergies, the risk of their child developing them ranges from 40% to as high as 80%."

Another cause is environmental factors. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, which only occurs during certain seasons, is primarily caused by pollen, while perennial allergic rhinitis, which persists regardless of the season, is often caused by house dust mites. Cockroaches, mold, and animal dander are also common allergens.

 

◇ Antihistamines are mainly used

 

Antihistamines are commonly used for allergic rhinitis. They are effective in relieving common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Recently, medications that do not cause dizziness or drowsiness have been developed, allowing patients to continue their daily lives and work without any disruption. Steroid sprays are also effective, and for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, injections or sublingual immunotherapy may be recommended.

 

◇Treatment with surgery

 

Surgery does not cure allergic rhinitis, but it can alleviate symptoms and reduce the need for medication. Professor Cho Hyung-joo said, “When nasal cartilage or bone is bent and nasal congestion is severe, septoplasty can correct the septum to relieve symptoms.” He also said, “When chronic hypertrophic rhinitis coexists with allergic rhinitis, turbinate resection or turbinoplasty can help improve ventilation.” If severe allergic rhinitis persists for a long time, it can be accompanied by nasal polyps or sinusitis, and in these cases, endoscopic sinus surgery may be necessary if medication does not respond.

 

◇Avoid the causative agent

 

If allergic rhinitis is caused by pollen, avoid being near specific plants that trigger allergies and wear a mask, especially during the spring pollen season. If dog or cat hair is the culprit, avoid contact with or near them. If dust mites are the culprit, control indoor temperature and humidity to eliminate conditions that could foster mite growth. Also, vacuum or frequently boil bedding and carpets, ideal environments for mite infestation.

 

 

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The probability of inheriting it from parents is about 40-80%.

I've had it since I was little, and it seems to have become chronic now.

 

My husband doesn't have rhinitis, so maybe it's genetic

It's fortunate that the effects don't affect the children.

 

It can be solved with surgery,

My friend told me that the surgery cost was around 250.