cómo combatir la rinitis invernal con consejos científicos

Title: How to Combat Winter Rhinitis with Scientific Advice Author: Not specified Reviewer: Not specified Commissioner: Not specified Production information/Organization: Not specified

With the arrival of winter and the gradual drop in temperatures, many people begin to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, turning this season into a "difficult period" for rhinitis patients. Waking up in the morning and sneezing uncontrollably, spending the whole day with a blocked nose, needing to breathe through the mouth, and not parting with tissue... these discomforts affect the quality of life and work efficiency. In response to the "disruption" caused by winter rhinitis, how can we cope with this?

Correctly identifying the type of rhinitis is the first step in effective management.

1. Allergic rhinitis: usually triggered by allergens (such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, among others), and its symptoms include paroxysmal sneezing, watery nasal discharge, itching, and nasal congestion. Symptoms appear immediately after contact with the allergen and may decrease when distancing from the environment.

2. Vasomotor rhinitis: characterized by principal sensitivity to physical stimuli (such as cold air, dry air, strong odors). Symptoms are similar to those of allergic rhinitis, but allergen tests are negative.

3. Infectious rhinitis: generally caused by viral or bacterial infections, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue. The nasal discharge may change from clear and watery to thick or yellow-green.

4. Medicamentosa rhinitis: Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays (for more than 5-7 days) can lead to rebound nasal congestion and dependency.

Practical coping strategies.

1. Environmental control and daily care

Maintain appropriate humidity: Use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity between 40% and 50%, preventing the air from becoming too dry. You can also place a container of water or damp towels on radiators to help increase humidity.

Regular cleaning: Wash sheets and duvet covers weekly to reduce the proliferation of dust mites. Keep the indoors clean and avoid waste accumulation.

Proper ventilation: open windows at least twice a day for 15-20 minutes each time, preferably when temperatures are higher at noon. This can effectively reduce the concentration of allergens and pollutants indoors.

Nasal wash: using saline solution or seawater for nasal washing can eliminate allergens, secretions, and inflammatory mediators in the nasal cavity, relieving mucosal edema. It is recommended to do this 1 to 2 times a day, especially after returning home.

Use of a mask: When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing a thermal mask not only prevents cold air from directly stimulating the nasal cavity but also filters some impurities and allergens.

2. Lifestyle adjustments

Diet and regulation: moderately increasing the intake of vitamin C (citrus fruits, green peppers, etc.) and vitamin E (nuts, vegetable oils) can help reduce inflammation.

Moderate exercise: Regular aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, can improve blood circulation in the nasal passages and strengthen the immune system. However, when exercising outdoors in winter, it is important to stay warm and avoid direct exposure of cold air to the respiratory tract.

Adequate sleep: Ensuring 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep supports the proper functioning of the immune system and alleviates rhinitis symptoms.

Steam inhalation: Pour hot water into a bowl, tilt your head so that your mouth and nose align with the bowl opening, and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes (be careful to maintain a safe distance to avoid burns).

When should you seek medical help? You should consider seeking medical attention when you encounter the following situations: 1. Persistent high fever, especially over 38.5°C. 2. Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing. 3. Sudden severe headache accompanied by blurred vision or confusion. 4. Widespread rash, lumps, or other skin abnormalities. 5. Confusion, fainting, or extreme weakness. 6. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, showing signs of dehydration. 7. Inability to move limbs after injury. 8. Any unexplained persistent pain or discomfort. If in doubt, seek medical help promptly.

Although most winter rhinitis cases can be managed through self-care, timely medical attention should be sought in the following situations: Symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life and work.

No significant improvement in symptoms after one week of self-care.

Symptoms indicating infection such as fever, facial pain, or purulent nasal discharge.

Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other signs of asthma.

Questions about adverse drug reactions or interactions.

The doctor may recommend allergy tests, nasal endoscopy, among others, to establish a clear diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Prevention is better than treatment: key points for preventing winter rhinitis.

Increase physical resistance: maintain moderate exercise, pay attention to keeping warm, and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Avoid allergens: regularly clean the home, use dust mite-proof bedding, and avoid contact with known allergens.

Vaccination: Get the flu vaccine on time to reduce viral infections that cause rhinitis.

Establish health history: recording the timing, environment, and severity of symptom onset will help doctors assess the condition more accurately.

Winter rhinitis is common, but through scientific understanding and proper management, it is entirely possible to control symptoms within an acceptable range and enjoy the wonders of winter. Remember that everyone is different, and the best solution often requires combining professional medical advice with each individual's personal situation. When rhinitis becomes bothersome, do not suffer in silence; take the initiative and act to make your winter more comfortable and healthy.