Allergic Rhinosinusitis

Understanding Allergic Rhinosinusitis
This is an infectious sinusitis condition caused by the body's hypersensitivity reaction to allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, food, etc. The disease causes nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose, reducing the ventilation capacity of the nasal sinuses and affecting the quality of life of the patient. When there is a concurrent infection, it is called allergic rhinitis with superinfection.

• Occasional headaches may occur; in the presence of secondary superinfection, the patient may exhibit purulent, yellow, or green nasal discharge.

• Clinical examination: Pale mucosa, profuse clear watery nasal discharge, and hypertrophic, edematous nasal turbinates.

Classification of Allergic Rhinosinusitis
The disease can be classified into types: acute allergic rhinitis and chronic allergic rhinitis.

• Seasonal allergic rhinosinusitis: Occurs with distinct seasonal patterns.

• Perennial allergic rhinosinusitis: Persists year-round.

• Intermittent allergic rhinosinusitis

• Occupational allergic rhinosinusitis

The disease can also be assessed according to the severity of symptoms, from mild, moderate to severe.
Etiology of Rhinosinusitis

• Dust, pollen, dog and cat dander, house dust mites, etc.

• Foods: Eggs, poultry, beef, seafood, saltwater fish, etc.

The clinical management protocol for rhinosinusitis comprises:

• Minimize exposure to identified allergens

• Administer antihistamines to alleviate rhinosinusitis symptoms

• Use corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce sinonasal mucosal inflammation and edema

• Administer analgesics and antipyretics as clinically indicated

• Perform nasal irrigation with physiological saline solution or deep-sea mineral sprays (Sterimar, Humer, NeilMed, etc.)

• Utilize a humidifier or medical-grade air purifier to optimize indoor air quality

Can allergic rhinosinusitis lead to secondary complications?
Potential complications may include:

• Otitis media: Caused by sinonasal mucus draining into the Eustachian tube, leading to inflammation, secondary infection, and ear pain.

• Acute or chronic rhinosinusitis: Caused by bacterial invasion into the paranasal sinuses, resulting in persistent inflammation and purulent discharge.

• Ocular inflammation: Caused by bacteria spreading from the paranasal sinuses to the orbital region, resulting in inflammation, redness, and swelling.

What measures are recommended to prevent allergic rhinosinusitis?

Preventive measures include:

• Avoid contact with known allergens; refrain from consuming foods that have previously triggered allergic reactions; and moderate the intake of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

• Perform regular sinonasal hygiene using physiological saline solution

• Enhance systemic immunity through a balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular physical exercise, and restorative sleep

• Wear a protective face mask when outdoors or entering environments with compromised air quality

• Maintain body warmth: Limit sleeping in excessively air-conditioned rooms, nighttime bathing, exposure to rain, swimming, etc.

————————————-

Sante Hospital – Caring with all our heart

11A Dinh Bo Linh, Ward 24, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline: (+84) 28 2200 8686

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bvsante.com