Is it the flu or rhinitis? Learn how to differentiate symptoms and take care of yourself correctly

Bem Paraná editorial team with consultancy

| 04/03/2024 at 11:23 am

Flu vaccine (Photo: Geraldo Bubniak/AEN)

Sneezing, runny nose, runny nose, stuffy nose and sleeping with your mouth open seem like signs of the flu, however, these symptoms are also characteristics of an allergic rhinitis attack. How to differentiate?

The Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI) explains that, unlike the flu, allergic rhinitis is not transmitted and does not cause fever. Of all these symptoms described, what most bothers patients with rhinitis is their daily blocked nose, as they cannot breathe properly, which leads to the use of inappropriate medications.

Changes in temperature and dust mites can trigger allergic rhinitis attacks. Correct diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. Do not self-medicate and seek out a specialist so that he or she can identify the type of rhinitis. These are the first steps towards successful treatment.

Here are some tips from ASBAI on how to prevent rhinitis attacks:

• Carry out environmental control, removing objects that can accumulate dust mites, such as curtains and carpets.

• Always keep air conditioning filters clean. If possible, clean them monthly. Avoid exposure to very low ambient temperatures and sudden temperature fluctuations. Remember that air conditioning is dry and can be irritating.

• Avoid using brooms and dusters. Wipe the house with a damp cloth daily or use vacuum cleaners with special filters twice a week. Keep the allergic patient away from the environment while cleaning is carried out.

• Wash your stored winter clothes before you start wearing them.

• Cover mattress and pillow with waterproof cover

• Avoid stuffed animals, bookshelves, magazines, cardboard boxes or any other place where dust mite colonies can form in the bedroom. Replace them with fabric toys so they can be washed frequently.

• Leave the environment light and well ventilated.

The use of medications and immunotherapy, known as allergy vaccines, are other forms of treatment that can be defined by the specialist according to the type of rhinitis that is diagnosed.

Allergic Rhinitis – Allergic rhinitis is not contagious and can begin at any time in life, however, it is uncommon before 12 months of age. The classic symptoms of allergic rhinitis are: sneezing attacks, clear runny nose, itchy nose (which can also affect the eyes, ears and throat) and nasal congestion.

A child with allergic parents will have increased 50% to 70% the chance of developing a respiratory disease, including allergic rhinitis, more common after the age of 2, reaching approximately 26% of Brazilian children. In adolescents, this percentage goes to 30%according to data from ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood).