"Is nasal itching indicative of allergic rhinitis?"

Nasal Itchiness and Its Causes

Nasal itchiness can be a symptom of allergic rhinitis, but it can also stem from other causes such as acute rhinitis, acute sinusitis, or nasal foreign bodies. If experiencing nasal itchiness, patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Here are some potential causes:

1. Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a non-infectious inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, typically triggered by exposure to allergens like pollen or dust mites. This elicits an immune response in the body, releasing large amounts of histamine, which leads to congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, resulting in nasal itchiness.

2. Acute Rhinitis

Acute rhinitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by viral infections. The virus irritates the nasal mucosa, manifesting primarily as nasal dryness, itching, sneezing, and runny nose, which can present as nasal itchiness.

3. Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis arises from an inflammatory response of the sinus mucosa due to acute bacterial infections. It causes mucosal congestion and swelling, characterized by nasal itchiness, headaches, and purulent nasal discharge.

4. Nasal Foreign Bodies

The presence of foreign bodies in the nasal cavity can irritate the nasal mucosa or trigger allergic reactions, leading to nasal itchiness.

If experiencing allergic rhinitis-related nasal itchiness, patients are advised to promptly identify and avoid the allergen, while also using saline solution to rinse the nasal cavity to alleviate symptoms. For acute rhinitis, medication such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can be prescribed by a doctor. In cases of acute sinusitis, antibiotics like amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules may be prescribed under medical supervision.