How to tell if you have allergic rhinitis? Why does allergic rhinitis cause headaches?

There are many types of rhinitis, allergic rhinitis is one of them, allergic rhinitis is generally related to allergens such as pollen and dust mites. Most of the symptoms of rhinitis are similar, so how do you judge whether you have allergic rhinitis?

How to tell if you have allergic rhinitis

The typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis are paroxysmal sneezing, watery nasal discharge, nasal congestion and nasal itching, and some are accompanied by decreased sense of smell.

1. Sneezing: Sneezing occurs in paroxysms several times a day, more than 3 times each time, mostly in the morning or at night, or immediately after contact with allergens.

2. Clear nasal discharge: A large amount of clear watery nasal discharge, which may sometimes drip from the nostrils unconsciously.

3. Nasal congestion: intermittent or continuous, unilateral or bilateral, with varying degrees of severity.

4. Itchy nose: Most patients experience itching in the nose, and patients with hay fever may also experience itchy eyes, ears, and throat.

5. Local examination: pale mucosa of the tip of the nose, edema of both lower nails, and clear or sticky mucus can be seen in the common nasal passage and nasal floor.

Why does allergic rhinitis cause headaches?

Nasal diseases can cause headaches, which is related to its anatomical structure. The nasal cavity is rich in sensory nerve fibers. The sensory nerves of the nasal cavity come from the ophthalmic branch and maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve. The nasal cavity is a relatively sensitive part of the human body. The nasal cavity is composed of a narrow lumen, holes and gaps, and its anatomical structure is complex and delicate. When the nasal cavity is inflamed, it can cause drainage obstruction, swelling and compression of the nasal cavity and sinuses.

In allergic rhinitis, inflammation stimulates the nasal nerves and can cause headaches. Congestion of the middle and lower turbinate mucosa can cause "reflex headaches"; congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa block the sinus openings, and the sinuses absorb air, causing negative pressure in the sinuses, which can result in a vacuum, or a "vacuum headache." Even in allergic rhinitis, the sinus mucosa may also become allergic and have inflammatory exudates. When the mucosal blood vessels dilate in a vacuum state, a large amount of serum leaks out, and sinus secretions increase, resulting in a "tension headache."

Is allergic rhinitis contagious?

Allergic rhinitis is not contagious, but it is related to heredity. If a child's parents are allergic to something, their children may also be allergic to it, so both parents and children should avoid contact with this substance in their lives.

The onset of allergic rhinitis is mainly related to constitution, environment and diet, and has nothing to do with genetics. Therefore, patients with allergic rhinitis, especially those with seasonal allergic rhinitis, should focus on prevention. In spring and autumn, they should wear masks, eat light meals, avoid seafood, mutton or spicy foods, and usually pay attention to strengthening their physical fitness. Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis should test for allergens and actively treat them. Long-term illness may cause nasal polyps and affect the sense of smell.