How to Tackle Allergic Rhinitis, a Seasonal-Change Nuisance

[Financial News] When the seasons change and the daily temperature range reaches 10°C or more, many people sniffle and sneeze repeatedly. It is a time when questions pour in such as, “Can rhinitis go around like a cold?”
On the 4th, according to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and other sources, the number of people in South Korea with allergic rhinitis reaches about 7.4 million a year.
It is an extremely common condition, affecting one in five adults and nearly one in two children and adolescents.
Experts point out that symptoms peak when sharp temperature changes, dry air and allergens such as dust mites overlap during seasonal transitions.
With advice from Lee Il-woo, chief of the Department of Otolaryngology, and Yoo Hong, director of the Department of Integrated Medicine, at On Hospital in Busan (hospital director Kim Dong-heon), we look at the causes and treatment of seasonal rhinitis, prevention tips, and emergency measures for stopping sudden bouts of a runny nose and sneezing.
Chronic sneezing and a clear runny nose that recur with every change of season are usually caused primarily by allergic rhinitis. However, because its symptoms resemble those of a cold, it is easy to leave it untreated.
On Hospital’s Lee Il-woo advised, “During the fall and winter seasonal transitions, cold air and dryness continually irritate the nasal lining and trigger hypersensitivity, leading to a sharp increase in rhinitis patients. In particular, structural problems with the nose, such as a deviated septum or enlarged inferior turbinates, are also often to blame, in addition to simple allergic reactions. If symptoms recur, the priority is to identify the exact cause through a thorough examination by an otolaryngologist.”
Rhinitis is not a condition limited to the nose; it also causes sleep problems, reduced concentration and chronic fatigue, significantly lowering quality of life. When immunity is weakened during seasonal transitions, the defenses throughout the respiratory tract can easily break down.
Yoo Hong, director of Integrated Medicine at On Hospital, emphasized, “If seasonal rhinitis is left untreated, it can worsen into chronic sinusitis or chronic respiratory disease, and reduced physical strength also increases the risk of viral infections such as colds and the flu. Even people with allergic rhinitis can safely receive flu or COVID-19 vaccinations if their usual symptoms are not severe, so it is a good idea to get vaccinated in advance to protect respiratory health during seasonal transitions.”
■ Four emergency measures for sudden bouts of a runny nose and sneezing
It is wise to know what to do immediately if uncontrollable sneezing and a clear runny nose suddenly strike while you are out or at an important moment. Breathing in warm steam can help. Since cold air has irritated the nasal lining and triggered the attack, gently inhale steam from a mug of hot water through your nose, or soothe the lining by covering your nose and mouth with a warm, damp towel.
Taking a sip of lukewarm water can also help control sneezing or a runny nose. It immediately soothes dryness in the throat and respiratory tract lining and helps reduce irritation.
Rinsing allergens and other foreign particles from inside the nose with saline solution available at pharmacies can also provide immediate relief from a runny nose and nasal congestion. Since symptoms worsen when the nape of the neck or the area around the nose gets cold, wearing a mask or fastening your coat to keep the area around the airways warm can also help manage sneezing.
■ Everyday prevention and sensible management tips
To manage rhinitis in winter, indoor humidity should always be kept at around 50–60%. Using a humidifier or hanging wet laundry helps prevent dryness and preserve the cilia’s function in the nasal lining. Drinking enough fluids is another rule to follow when managing rhinitis. Drink lukewarm water regularly to keep the respiratory tract lining moist. If rhinitis remains difficult to manage even with these measures, appropriate use of standardized medications can also help. Antihistamines and nasal sprays are effective at controlling symptoms, so it is wiser to use them appropriately as prescribed by a specialist rather than simply trying to endure the symptoms.
On Hospital’s Lee Il-woo advised, “With temperatures fluctuating significantly these days, rather than dismissing minor nasal congestion and sniffles, taking appropriate steps through proactive changes to your environment and consultation with a specialist can help you stay active through the change of seasons and winter.” 
[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter