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Author: Leila Tan
4 December 2025

When rhinitis or nasal allergies flare up, the sneezing fits, blocked nose, constant runny nose, and unbearable nasal itchiness can make you miserable. Beyond the discomfort, it can seriously affect your daily life and work performance. In a city like Hong Kong, where air pollution levels are high, rhinitis has become a common urban problem. Surveys show that 9 out of 10 Hongkongers have experienced or are currently suffering from rhinitis or nasal allergies!

1

Rhinitis Symptoms Explained: How Many Do You Have?

Rhinitis isn’t a single symptom—it can show up in many different ways. The most common allergy-related symptoms include:

• Runny nose: Clear, watery mucus that flows like a tap and is difficult to control.
• Nasal congestion: Blockage in one or both nostrils that affects breathing and sleep, often leading to insomnia.
• Sneezing fits: Repeated sneezing, especially in the morning, that’s hard to stop.
• Itchy nose: Constant irritation of the nasal lining, making you want to rub your nose.
• Itchy eyes: Often accompanied by redness, swelling, tearing, or irritation.
• Postnasal drip: Mucus flowing down the throat, causing discomfort or frequent throat clearing.
• Reduced sense of smell: Swelling of nasal membranes can dull your sense of smell, or even cause temporary loss.
• Headaches & facial pressure: Sinus inflammation may cause pain in the face, forehead heaviness, and headaches.

Though these symptoms may seem like minor issues, long-term neglect can reduce quality of life, lead to infections, and even cause complications such as sinusitis or middle-ear infections. Proper management is essential.

2

Causes of Allergic Rhinitis: Different Types of Nasal Inflammation

To truly manage allergic rhinitis, it’s important to understand the triggers. Rhinitis can be classified into: allergic, non-allergic, infectious, and occupational/chronic rhinitis.

1. Allergic Rhinitis

The most common form, triggered by:

• Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, cockroach droppings.
• Immune response: The body produces IgE antibodies when exposed, leading to inflammation and swelling.
• Seasonal changes: Pollen and humidity fluctuations during spring, summer, autumn, or winter transitions can worsen symptoms.

2. Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Not immune-related, caused by factors such as:

• Vasomotor rhinitis: Oversensitivity to temperature, odors, smoke, or emotional changes.
• Medication-induced rhinitis: Long-term use of decongestant sprays causing rebound congestion.
• Atrophic rhinitis: Thinning of nasal lining, often in elderly or post-surgery patients.
• Pregnancy rhinitis: Hormonal changes leading to nasal swelling and congestion.

3. Infectious Rhinitis

Caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi:

• Viral infections: Common cold, usually with sore throat or fever.
• Bacterial infections: Can lead to sinusitis, with thick yellow-green mucus, facial pain, and headaches.
• Fungal infections: Rare but more dangerous, often in those with weak immunity.

4. Occupational or Chronic Rhinitis

Triggered by long-term exposure to irritants in the workplace environment.

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3

Treatment for Nasal Allergies: Relief & Home Care to Keep Triggers Away

When rhinitis flares up, aside from medication, simple adjustments can help ease discomfort:

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Avoid allergens: wash bedding regularly, clean air-con filters, use HEPA purifiers.
• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Keep indoor air clean and humid with a humidifier.
• Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise to strengthen immunity.

2. Home Remedies

• Saline nasal rinse: helps flush out allergens and mucus.
• Warm compress: relieves nasal congestion.
• Steam inhalation: loosens mucus and improves airflow.

3. Medication Options – Beyond Antihistamines

TreatmentFunctionNotes
AntihistaminesRelieve runny nose, sneezing, itchingSome may cause drowsiness
Nasal sprays (steroid)Reduce inflammation and swellingShort-term use only under doctor’s advice
Immunotherapy (desensitization)Long-term improvementRequires medical supervision, long course
AntibioticsOnly for bacterial infectionsMust be prescribed by a doctor

4. Surgical Options

• Septoplasty: corrects deviated septum.
• Turbinate reduction: reduces tissue size for smoother airflow.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: removes infected tissue for chronic sinusitis.

4

Building an Allergy-Resistant Body: Preventing Chronic Rhinitis

Prevention is always better than cure. Daily habits to strengthen your body’s defenses:

• Balanced diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.
• Adequate sleep to support immunity.
• Regular exercise, at least 3 times per week.
• Stress management: relaxation lowers immune strain.
• Keep your home clean: vacuum and mop regularly to reduce dust mites.

5

Rhinitis Is Manageable, Not Permanent

Instead of passively suffering, take action! From lifestyle adjustments and proper medication to professional medical care, each step brings you closer to allergy-free living. Even if not completely curable, consistent management lets you breathe freely and live comfortably again.

免費體驗

Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment
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6

Beyond Nasal Allergies: Could Snoring Be the Real Problem?

People with rhinitis or nasal congestion often snore, but snoring may not always come from blocked nasal passages—it can also be caused by sagging oral tissues. Still struggling to breathe at night? Don’t ignore it. For your own health and your family’s sleep quality, visit Perfect Medical for a professional check-up.

The Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment is a non-invasive medical solution that uses patented laser technology to gently tighten relaxed oral tissues, improving airflow and reducing snoring. The treatment is fast, painless, and highly effective—perfect for busy Hongkongers.

Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment – Snoring improved in just 15 minutes!

Benefits:

• Non-surgical patented laser to shrink soft tissue and open airways.
• Smoother breathing, may also help with sleep apnea.
• Only 15 minutes per session, results can last up to 1 year.
• No permanent tissue alteration, extremely safe.

In fact, 80% of patients notice significant improvement after just 2 sessions. After treatment, you can resume eating, drinking, and daily activities immediately—no downtime at all. For your own health and your partner’s peace of mind, book a 1-minute online consultation with Perfect Medical today to identify the root cause of your snoring and get personalized solutions!

Book a Session: Perfect Medical Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment

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Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment
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Date should not be before minimal date

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FAQ

Can rhinitis or nasal allergies affect your sense of smell?

Yes. Severe or chronic cases—especially with prolonged swelling or sinusitis—may reduce or even temporarily eliminate the sense of smell.

Can rhinitis or nasal allergies be cured completely?

Not always completely, but immunotherapy and lifestyle adjustments can effectively reduce frequency and severity of flare-ups.

What if I experience rhinitis or nasal allergies during pregnancy?

Natural remedies like saline rinses are recommended. For medications, consult your doctor for safe options.

Can rhinitis or nasal allergies lead to other health problems?

Yes. If left untreated, they may increase the risk of sinusitis, ear infections, sleep apnea, or worsen asthma symptoms.

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