Allergic rhinitis: spring has arrived, bringing renewal and a desire for walks in nature. For some people with allergies, however, spring is a very difficult season because it constantly exposes them to airborne allergens, the most widespread of which is pollen
Allergic rhinitis is common, but prevalence estimates depend on population, age, diagnostic criteria and study date. A single undated percentage or total should not be used to describe every country or predict an individual’s symptoms.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a common condition caused by an allergy to various allergens. These allergens may be airborne pollen from trees, flowers, grasses, lawns or even weeds. Allergens may also be fungal spores. Pollen consists of microscopic cells from flowering plants. At certain times of year, particularly in spring, pollen and spores are abundant in the air.
Symptoms and signs
Typical symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion or obstruction, watery nasal discharge, bouts of sneezing and nasal itching after exposure to a known allergen. Some patients complain of itching in the throat or palate. Drainage of nasal contents into the throat leads to frequent attempts to clear the throat (a characteristic dry cough or hoarseness). Allergic rhinitis is often accompanied by headaches, pain over the paranasal sinuses, recurrent nosebleeds, generalised weakness and fatigue, loss of smell and sometimes loss of taste.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to achieve maximum symptom relief with as few adverse effects as possible. The most practical and effective treatment approach is based on avoiding allergens and relieving symptoms with medication.
Acupuncture has been studied for selected allergic-rhinitis symptoms and quality of life, with some favourable trial findings. Relief from the first session, longer intervals between every flare-up and a universal preventive seasonal course are not guaranteed. The proposed plan needs individual discussion, relevant evidence and review alongside usual care.
A change in an immune marker does not establish strengthening of the entire immune system or permanent correction of allergic responses. Mechanism discussions and clinical symptom outcomes need separate evidence.
References
- Small, P., Keith, P.K. & Kim, H. Allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 14 (Suppl 2), 51 (2018).
- McDonald JL, Smith PK, Smith CA, Changli Xue C, Golianu B, Cripps AW; Mucosal Immunology Research Group. Effect of acupuncture on house dust mite specific IgE, substance P, and symptoms in persistent allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016 Jun;116(6):497-505. Chen YD, Jin XQ, Yu MH, Fang Y, Huang LQ.
- Acupuncture for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis: A non-randomized controlled trial. Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Jul;22(7):518-24. Wen CY, Liu YF, Zhou L, Zhang HX, Tu SH.
- A Systematic and Narrative Review of Acupuncture Point Application Therapies in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma during Dog Days. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:846851.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis and care
Seasonal timing is useful, but assessment is not limited to the time of year. History and an established diagnosis matter.
The Medical Acupuncture Methods page explains the method; Respiratory System Conditions gathers related articles.
Recognise the pattern before choosing additional care
Allergic rhinitis can affect sleep, concentration, work and outdoor activities. Seasonal symptoms may suggest pollen exposure, while year-round symptoms need a broader history. Sneezing, itching and nasal discharge are useful descriptions, but a persistent blocked nose is not automatically allergy. Mention timing, likely triggers, eye symptoms, medicines and asthma. The purpose is to establish what is being managed before choosing a complementary option. A springtime story does not describe every person’s pattern or determine a diagnosis on its own.
Practical information includes which treatments have been used and how. A nasal spray may not have been used in the intended way, and prolonged use of some decongestants can worsen blockage. Ask a pharmacist or clinician for appropriate advice rather than extending use independently. Persistent symptoms or symptoms affecting daily life may need reassessment. If asthma is worsening alongside rhinitis, respiratory care also needs attention; an acupuncture appointment should not delay review of changing breathing symptoms or prescribed treatment.
Separate needle acupuncture from other techniques
Acupuncture with needles, intranasal light and preparations applied to points are different interventions. Research findings cannot be transferred between them solely because they appear in the same complementary-care discussion. Ask what procedure is proposed and which evidence concerns it. Population, comparator and background medication matter. A change in an immune marker is not the same outcome as fewer troublesome symptoms, and neither automatically means the allergy has been permanently removed or that future medication will no longer be needed.
NCCIH reports that some randomised trials suggest improvement in selected allergic-rhinitis symptoms and quality of life with acupuncture. This is a qualified statement, not a guarantee of relief from the first session or a universal preventive programme before each season. Different studies and reviews have limitations. An average result cannot determine personal benefit, exact session numbers or the duration of improvement. A specific clinical goal remains more useful than describing the whole immune system as strengthened or balanced.
Keep monitoring and safety practical
If acupuncture is considered, discuss current medication, previous reactions, bleeding risk and the use of sterile single-use needles. A non-drug procedure can still have adverse effects. Agree what to monitor, such as night-time congestion or activity interrupted by symptoms. Record important seasonal or medication changes so that improvement is not automatically attributed to one intervention. A simple record can help without requiring continuous symptom checking. Review should consider whether any change is meaningful in the person’s actual routine.
Existing care continues in coordination with the treating professional. A pleasant session does not establish protection against all allergens, and absence of an immediate effect does not justify an unlimited course without reassessment. If the pattern changes, the diagnosis may need revisiting rather than merely increasing sessions. New symptoms should be described specifically, particularly where the nose is persistently affected on one side or other concerning features arise. The clinician can decide what further assessment is appropriate.
Ask what the fee includes
Clarify initial assessment, session content and follow-up charges before committing. No general article can prescribe a guaranteed seasonal course. Ask which outcome is expected, how it will be evaluated and when continuation will be reconsidered. Cost is information about a service, not proof of effectiveness or permanent allergy control. An informed choice weighs evidence, uncertainty, time and preferences alongside established allergy care, with room to change the plan if the proposed benefit does not occur.
Sources for further information
Respiratory symptoms and assessment
Is having symptoms in spring enough for a diagnosis?
Not by itself. Duration, exposure and symptom characteristics are considered by the treating clinician alongside appropriate investigations.
Can an article about complementary care change respiratory medication?
No. Diagnosis and the treating clinician’s instructions remain the reference point. Any additional approach should be discussed with them, particularly when asthma or another respiratory condition is present.