Patient's question:
My son is 4 years old. He has been having a runny nose since August of this year. At first, we thought it was a cold and gave him some cold medicine. Later, he developed symptoms of nosebleeds. In October, we took him to the county hospital's otolaryngology department for a check-up, where they said it was rhinitis but didn't specify what type. He received two rounds of anti-inflammatory injections, which slightly improved his condition for a few days. However, after a few more days, he started having thick nasal discharge, with the symptoms coming and going. Now, he also has symptoms of coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Sometimes his nasal discharge contains streaks of blood, and his nasal congestion is quite severe at night. Over the past couple of days, he has been taking traditional Chinese medicine, but there has been no significant improvement. What can be done to cure this condition? What type of rhinitis does my son have? ShouldDoctor's answer:
Hello:When treating pediatric rhinitis, parents should pay close attention and observe for signs of the condition. If symptoms are detected, it is important to seek medical attention at a formal hospital's otolaryngology department as soon as possible. Puncture irrigation should not be performed on children under the age of 6. It is crucial to avoid using adult rhinitis medications without consulting a doctor. Infants should not be given vasoconstrictors such as oxymetazoline or ephedrine. Parents should learn the correct method for blowing their child's nose.
Many people are accustomed to using a handkerchief or tissue to pinch both of a child's nostrils while blowing their nose. This can cause nasal discharge to flow back into the sinuses, leading to bacterial infection and sinusitis. The correct method is to block one nostril at a time and blow out the nasal discharge thoroughly.
Drink plenty of plain water and fruit juice to soften nasal secretions and reduce blockages in the respiratory tract. If the secretions are excessive, steam inhalation with hot water can help. In summary, improving and controlling environmental factors and practicing prevention are the first priorities. It is essential to seek medical attention at a formal hospital's otolaryngology department as early as possible.
When treating allergic rhinitis, emphasis should also be placed on prevention. To prevent allergic rhinitis, the first step is to identify the allergen and then avoid exposure to it. Avoid contact with materials such as fur, carpets, and down products. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the environment at home, and consider using an ion generator to purify the air. Open windows frequently to ensure fresh air circulation. When renovating the home, use environmentally friendly materials as much as possible. Additionally, it is important to strengthen physical exercise to reduce the occurrence of colds. On a daily basis, try to minimize the child's exposure to allergenic foods or substances to prevent allergic reactions before they happen.