Clipping Board » Medical Harm ─ Unnecessary or inappropriate medical procedures can also cause harm.
China Times Electronic News Taipei Report, May 12, 2014, by Yang Gefei
Nasal congestion caused by nasal allergies leads many people to habitually purchase nasal sprays from pharmacies. However, frequent and prolonged use can render these sprays ineffective or even worsen nasal congestion. One middle-aged woman, who had suffered from allergic rhinitis since childhood, recently experienced a recurrence. Despite taking antihistamines with no improvement, she bought a nasal spray to relieve her congestion. While the spray provided relief in the first few days, prolonged use led to worsening congestion, leaving her in extreme discomfort with no solution in sight.
"Most over-the-counter nasal sprays contain vasoconstrictors and should not be used for more than ten days!" warned Dr. Li Hongxin, director of Taipei Hongren Clinic. He explained that while vasoconstrictors temporarily shrink nasal blood vessels to relieve congestion, long-term use can lead to dependency, damage the mucosal lining, and eventually render the medication ineffective—resulting in even worse congestion.
A common habit among patients treating nasal allergies is over-reliance on nasal sprays or antihistamines to manage acute symptoms, even when seeking hospital treatment. By the time these medications stop working, the condition often escalates into severe "rebound congestion," potentially leading to complications like sinusitis, sleep disorders, or asthma. This disrupts nighttime rest and daytime productivity, affecting work and study.
Dr. Li Hongxin, ENT director at Taipei Zhongshan Hospital and head of Hongren Clinic, advises patients to abandon this harmful habit of self-medication and seek professional medical help to identify the root cause of nasal allergies for targeted treatment. Medical research reveals that the true pathological cause of nasal allergies lies in the overactive nasal parasympathetic nerves within the mucosa, making the nose prone to itching and sneezing—similar to how the underarm nerves are more sensitive than those on the back of the hand.
The primary cause of nasal allergies is excessive nerves in the nasal mucosa, leading to itching and sneezing, as well as overactive gland cells producing excessive mucus. Additionally, hyperdeveloped blood vessels in the mucosa cause congestion and swelling. Medical advancements now allow for nerve resection and vessel coagulation to prevent excessive sneezing and congestion, achieving long-term relief.
Nasal parasympathetic nerve surgery became popular in the 1970s but required invasive procedures like lifting the lip and opening the sinus cavity, limiting its adoption due to complexity and large wounds. However, newer techniques now enable outpatient procedures under local anesthesia. Using specialized probes inserted through the nostrils, doctors can access and sever the nerves at the nasal cavity's rear, coagulating blood vessels to prevent sneezing and congestion with minimal recurrence.
The greatest advantage of this procedure is its minimal invasiveness—small wounds, little bleeding, and no need for general anesthesia. Performed in outpatient settings, patients can resume normal activities immediately after surgery, experiencing instant relief without disrupting daily life.
Dr. Li Hongxin noted that this surgical method has a 15-year track record, improving symptoms by 70–90% even in severe cases. For example, sneezing episodes may drop from ten to two or three times daily, with similar improvements in congestion and runny nose—virtually eliminating recurrence. For patients, curing nasal allergies is life-changing, and achieving this is both a physician's duty and honor.Director Li Hongxin pointed out that the radiofrequency low-temperature thermotherapy for nasal allergies has a satisfaction rate as high as 85%, with few side effects and high patient satisfaction. However, it is worth noting that after undergoing surgery, nasal allergy patients may experience milder symptoms when catching a cold compared to before the procedure, but they must still take medication promptly to avoid complications such as chronic rhinitis.
Dr. Li Zhengdao from Guanghua Family Medicine Clinic reminded that developing good exercise habits and boosting immunity are the most fundamental ways to care for the nose. When the temperature fluctuates significantly between morning and evening, it is essential to keep the mouth and nose warm when going out. If the morning temperature is low, wearing a mask immediately upon waking up is advisable. At home, using a dehumidifier and air purifier to maintain room temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and humidity at around 50% can help reduce the chances of triggering nasal allergies.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……C% BB% E5% A1% 9E- 220041399. html
Overuse of Nasal Sprays for Allergies Risks Rebound Congestion
Nasal congestion caused by nasal allergies leads many people to habitually purchase nasal sprays from pharmacies. However, frequent and prolonged use can render these sprays ineffective or even worsen nasal congestion. One middle-aged woman, who had suffered from allergic rhinitis since childhood, recently experienced a recurrence. Despite taking antihistamines with no improvement, she bought a nasal spray to relieve her congestion. While the spray provided relief in the first few days, prolonged use led to worsening congestion, leaving her in extreme discomfort with no solution in sight.
"Most over-the-counter nasal sprays contain vasoconstrictors and should not be used for more than ten days!" warned Dr. Li Hongxin, director of Taipei Hongren Clinic. He explained that while vasoconstrictors temporarily shrink nasal blood vessels to relieve congestion, long-term use can lead to dependency, damage the mucosal lining, and eventually render the medication ineffective—resulting in even worse congestion.
A common habit among patients treating nasal allergies is over-reliance on nasal sprays or antihistamines to manage acute symptoms, even when seeking hospital treatment. By the time these medications stop working, the condition often escalates into severe "rebound congestion," potentially leading to complications like sinusitis, sleep disorders, or asthma. This disrupts nighttime rest and daytime productivity, affecting work and study.
Dr. Li Hongxin, ENT director at Taipei Zhongshan Hospital and head of Hongren Clinic, advises patients to abandon this harmful habit of self-medication and seek professional medical help to identify the root cause of nasal allergies for targeted treatment. Medical research reveals that the true pathological cause of nasal allergies lies in the overactive nasal parasympathetic nerves within the mucosa, making the nose prone to itching and sneezing—similar to how the underarm nerves are more sensitive than those on the back of the hand.
The primary cause of nasal allergies is excessive nerves in the nasal mucosa, leading to itching and sneezing, as well as overactive gland cells producing excessive mucus. Additionally, hyperdeveloped blood vessels in the mucosa cause congestion and swelling. Medical advancements now allow for nerve resection and vessel coagulation to prevent excessive sneezing and congestion, achieving long-term relief.
Nasal parasympathetic nerve surgery became popular in the 1970s but required invasive procedures like lifting the lip and opening the sinus cavity, limiting its adoption due to complexity and large wounds. However, newer techniques now enable outpatient procedures under local anesthesia. Using specialized probes inserted through the nostrils, doctors can access and sever the nerves at the nasal cavity's rear, coagulating blood vessels to prevent sneezing and congestion with minimal recurrence.
The greatest advantage of this procedure is its minimal invasiveness—small wounds, little bleeding, and no need for general anesthesia. Performed in outpatient settings, patients can resume normal activities immediately after surgery, experiencing instant relief without disrupting daily life.
Dr. Li Hongxin noted that this surgical method has a 15-year track record, improving symptoms by 70–90% even in severe cases. For example, sneezing episodes may drop from ten to two or three times daily, with similar improvements in congestion and runny nose—virtually eliminating recurrence. For patients, curing nasal allergies is life-changing, and achieving this is both a physician's duty and honor.Director Li Hongxin pointed out that the radiofrequency low-temperature thermotherapy for nasal allergies has a satisfaction rate as high as 85%, with few side effects and high patient satisfaction. However, it is worth noting that after undergoing surgery, nasal allergy patients may experience milder symptoms when catching a cold compared to before the procedure, but they must still take medication promptly to avoid complications such as chronic rhinitis.
Dr. Li Zhengdao from Guanghua Family Medicine Clinic reminded that developing good exercise habits and boosting immunity are the most fundamental ways to care for the nose. When the temperature fluctuates significantly between morning and evening, it is essential to keep the mouth and nose warm when going out. If the morning temperature is low, wearing a mask immediately upon waking up is advisable. At home, using a dehumidifier and air purifier to maintain room temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and humidity at around 50% can help reduce the chances of triggering nasal allergies.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……C% BB% E5% A1% 9E- 220041399. html