“If you have an (immune) allergy, you must take care of yourself. Many of you are probably familiar with the term ‘allergy disease‘ and often hear people around them say they have allergies frequently. While some may exhibit allergy symptoms such as itchy nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, or red eyes, even though allergy disease may not sound severe, in cases of severe symptoms or lack of treatment, it can affect daily life.”
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis with a Specialist
The allergy disease often mentioned is actually allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease with inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Risk factors for allergic rhinitis include genetics or exposure to allergens, among others.
Statistics show that in Thailand, this disease can be found up to 30% of the population, and 15% – 38% often have asthma symptoms along with it, which is a risk factor for asthma. Without treatment, it can also impact asthma control.
Compared to other diseases, allergic rhinitis may not sound severe. Some have mild symptoms, while others may have symptoms severe enough to affect the quality of life, such as disturbed sleep quality, unclear thinking, restlessness, fatigue, and in those allergic to pollen, it can affect learning and work performance during pollen seasons.
Common Symptoms
- Itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose
- Some have eye symptoms as well, such as itchy eyes, red eyes, watery eyes
These symptoms can be divided into two groups: persistent symptoms which are associated with indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander, and seasonal symptoms, which are allergic reactions occurring in specific seasons associated with outdoor allergens like pollen or mold.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctor will take the allergic rhinitis history, evaluate other accompanying diseases, and identify allergens because the initial treatment is to have the patient avoid allergens if possible.
Common clinical allergen tests are divided into two types:
- Skin tests (which involves testing allergens on the patient’s skin for reactions; this method has the advantage of immediate results)
- Blood test (Allergy blood test). This method is suitable for patients with severe skin inflammation or severe allergic reactions to the substance being tested. Therefore, the doctor considers in-vitro testing instead, but it takes about 3 days for results.
Our Bangkok Chiang Mai Hospital offers both test types. Interested individuals can consult a doctor to assess which method is most suitable.
Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
The initial treatment for allergic rhinitis, if possible, should be to avoid allergens. Besides that, medications are used depending on various factors such as patient needs, severity of symptoms, and efficacy of each treatment type.
Self-care Advice from a Specialist
The doctor provided self-care guidelines when diagnosed with allergies:
- Avoid allergen triggers such as dust, pollen, dust mites, or mold.
- Get enough sleep to allow the body to repair itself.
- Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, to build good immunity.
- Eat a balanced diet with all five food groups and avoid foods that may cause allergies.
“However, for effective treatment of allergic rhinitis or allergy diseases, besides seeing a doctor for diagnosis, strict adherence to medical advice will help improve allergy symptoms and enhance patients’ quality of life.”
With best wishes from
Specialist in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Internal Medicine Department | Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
For more information, please contact:
Internal Medicine Department
Phone 052 089 823
Call Center: 1719
“Open Monday – Sunday from 07.00 – 20.00”
