Many assume spring is the most challenging season for allergic rhinitis sufferers, as blooming flowers and growing plants trigger pollen allergies. However, in northern regions, autumn is also a peak season for allergic rhinitis.Currently, northern regions are in the season when Artemisia plants release pollen. As Artemisia pollen is an allergen, its presence in the air triggers various allergic symptoms. Fortunately, while allergic rhinitis currently has no cure, patients can manage recurring symptoms by consistently using nasal steroid sprays. This helps control symptoms and prevents inflammation from spreading to the lower airways, which could trigger asthma.
Additionally, doctors remind that the internationally recognized effective treatments for allergic rhinitis are desensitization therapy combined with anti-allergy medications. Patients should avoid using antibiotics or cold medications during flare-ups.
How to manage allergic rhinitis?
1. Avoid allergens: Undergo allergy testing at a hospital to identify specific triggers and minimize exposure. For pollen allergies, wear a mask outdoors to prevent inhaling pollen or other allergens. Masks also help maintain warmth and moisture around the nose and mouth, reducing irritation from cold air.
2. Improve physical fitness through regular exercise. Endurance-building activities like long-distance running or swimming are recommended.
3. Use cold water when washing your face each morning and massage your nose.
Regularly massaging these areas can alleviate rhinitis symptoms:
During rhinitis flare-ups, patients experience symptoms like nasal congestion, itching, and runny nose, causing significant discomfort. Beyond medication and the methods mentioned above, regular acupressure massage can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks:
1. Rub the bridge of the nose: Perform 3 sets daily, 30-40 times per set.
2. Press and knead the Yingxiang acupoint (located in the hollows beside the nostrils), applying pressure in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions 20 times each.
3. Push and knead the Yintang acupoint (between the eyebrows) using two fingers, moving up and down 20–30 times.
4. Massage the Baihui acupoint (at the crown of the head, where the line connecting the tips of both ears meets the midline of the nose). Use the index and middle fingers of the right hand to rotate and knead, pressing 30 times.
5. Apply pressure to the Yintang acupoint (between the eyebrows) using two fingers, moving up and down 20–30 times.
6. Massage the Baihui acupoint (at the crown of the head, where the line connecting the ti
4. Massage the Baihui point. Located at the crown of the head where the line connecting the tips of both ears intersects with the line extending from the center of the nasal bridge to the top of the head. Use the index and middle fingers of the right hand to rotate and knead the point 30–40 times.
5. Massage the Fengchi acupoints. Located at the back of the head, these points can be found by first locating the bony protrusions behind the ears, then moving downward toward the hairline indentation. There is one point on each side. Rotate and knead each point 30–40 times.