(Apply Daily HK / Reporter: Miss Ng Nga Him, Carmen)

During the hot and humid summer time, dust mites grow so rapidly, and they trigger mucus flow and hence result in nasal allergy. Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology, Doctor Lam Kin Yip, pointed out that dust and mites are the main cause of allergic rhinitis. There is still no cure for such allergy at this stage; however, the symptoms can be reduced by changing bed sheets regularly and taking antihistamines or steroids.

According to Doctor Lam, as the weather is getting hotter and wet, the number of allergic rhinitis patients has been doubled within these two weeks. Similar to having a cold, patients will suffer from symptoms like occasional runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and sometimes coughing, yet they will not have sore throat and fever. One will recover from common cold in several days, while the condition for nasal allergy may be ongoing.

Apart from dust and mites, the sudden change in temperature might also cause allergic rhinitis, Doctor Lam said. When you get into an air-conditioning room, or when you consume hot soup, the sudden change in temperature inside your nasal cavity will also cause an irritation.

For the nasal system and the trachea are in the same respiratory system, patients will suffer from severe symptoms in case both parts are irritated at the same time. To avoid allergic symptoms like persistent sneezing and coughing, it is always important to protect our respiratory system well.

Research also shows that most allergic diseases have strong genetic basis. If a parent suffers from nasal allergy, eczema or asthma, there will be a higher chance for their kids to be diagnosed with the same genetic disorder.

To minimize the allergic symptoms, the first thing to do is to stay away from the allergens. For example, dust mites are commonly found on bed sheets even if they are too small to be seen with naked eyes. In this case, it is suggested to change and wash your bed sheets with 60℃ hot water regularly, and this will help to break down dust mites and its residues. Regular cleaning for curtains and carpets are also necessary.

For those with nasal allergy, you are advised to wash your nasal cavity with salt water. Simply melt half teaspoon of salt into 400ml of boiled water and inject the solution into the nasal cavity with a clean syringe, such action can wash away both the allergens and mucus and ease your symptoms. For others with sensitive trachea, try to inhale steam in your nose and throat carefully and this is truly a remedy to dilute the mucus and soothe the nasal passage.

Doctor Lam mentioned that there is no treatment for respiratory allergies at this stage, but the condition can be improved by taking antihistamines or steroids with a doctor’s prescription.