What to do to prevent the recurrence of allergic rhinitis when the weather changes?

Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the nose is irritated and inflamed due to environmental agents such as pollen, dust mites, dust, animal hair, etc. Allergic rhinitis easily appears or recurs during the Lunar New Year because this is the season change, year-end house cleaning activities cause common allergens such as dust, fur, and mold to spread strongly in the air.

According to forecasts, on the night of February 16 (December 29), there will be a wave of moderate-intensity cold air pouring into the North, causing scattered light rain that will last until February 19 (the 3rd day of Tet). Temperatures at night and morning are cold, lowest 16-20 degrees. Cold weather and sudden changes are factors that easily irritate the nasal mucosa, causing recurrence of allergic rhinitis. Therefore, you need to be careful to keep your nose and throat warm when going out, especially in the early morning and at night.

You should wash your nose with 0.9% physiological saline after exposure to dust and pollution to remove allergens and limit irritation of the nasal mucosa. Gargling with physiological saline helps clean the oropharynx and reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.

To prevent recurrence of allergic rhinitis, when cleaning the house, you should wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling dust. Blankets, sheets, pillows, mattresses, and curtains need to be washed clean and periodically dried completely before use to eliminate parasitic house mites. Limit contact with pets in the home as well as areas with lots of smoke, strong odors or air pollution.

Spring is the time when a lot of pollen spreads in the air, people with allergies like you need to proactively buy an air purifier at home, avoid going near flower gardens or places with many decorative flowers. Proactively wear a mask when burning incense, do not stay long in the worship room, wash your eyes and nose with saline if incense smoke causes irritation. During Tet days, you should proactively strengthen your immune system by eating nutritious food, limiting alcohol consumption, getting enough sleep and following your biological rhythm, and not staying up too late.

Allergic rhinitis does not affect life, however, if not treated properly, the disease can cause complications such as acute – chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, affecting quality of life. If symptoms of allergic rhinitis persist for many days and do not decrease, with headaches, facial pain, and fever, the patient should see a doctor for treatment to control the disease, avoiding affecting health and daily life in the first days of the year.