My Diagnosis Journey
What I thought was a stubborn six-month flu had me questioning if it was COVID-19 all over again. After two rounds of antibiotics and countless trips to the doctor, I was finally referred to an ENT specialist. The verdict was not another infection, but something far less fleeting: allergic rhinitis.
That diagnosis came a year ago, adding yet another entry to the growing list of allergies I already carry. This time, it was perennial allergic rhinitis—the kind that doesn’t wait for a season, but lingers all year round. Thank you, dustmites.
Recently, I had another severe attack. Imagine breathlessness, like an asthma episode, only without a clear end in sight. My airways were inflamed, each inhale tight and heavy. Rhinitis isn’t glamorous, and it isn’t life-threatening. But it is relentless.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that happens when the nose reacts to airborne particles: dust, pollen, pet dander, or other allergens — triggering inflammation and irritation.
It is also known as hay fever when pollen is the cause. Symptoms often include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Watery, red eyes
- Cough or postnasal drip
- Itchy ear or palate
- Fatigue due to disrupted sleep
- Breathing difficulties during severe flare-ups
In my case, it was perennial allergic rhinitis, meaning symptoms show up year-round, not just in specific allergy seasons.
Living With Rhinitis Allergy
Rhinitis creeps in quietly, blurring the line between consciousness and misery.
It teaches patience in strange ways. It reminds me that even the simplest acts: breathing, laughing, walking through a park, or even changing my mattress cover can come at a cost. There is no pause button, no permanent cure. Just tissues crumpled like wilted petals, antihistamines swallowed in faith, and the quiet hope that today might be kinder than yesterday.
And yet, within this fragility, I’ve found resilience. Living with rhinitis means practicing endurance, not through dramatic battles, but through small acts of persistence: steadying my breath, carrying on despite discomfort, and realising that even if my body falters, I am still here, still moving, still alive.
Self-Care Tips for Allergic Rhinitis
While there is no permanent cure, lifestyle adjustments and consistent care can ease the weight of allergic rhinitis. Here are some practices that have helped me:
- Keeping the environment clean – Regular dusting, vacuuming with HEPA filters, and washing bedding often helps reduce dust mites.
- Use air purifiers – A purifier with a HEPA filter makes a big difference in removing allergens indoors.
- Nasal sprays and antihistamines – Decongestants and antihistamines provide relief during flare-ups.
- Practice mindful breathing and rest – Stress and lack of sleep often make symptoms worse, so slowing down helps. (toughest yet, i’m still working on this!)
- Avoid known triggers – Strong perfumes, dusty rooms can set symptoms off.
Finding Tenderness in Fragility
Rhinitis doesn’t define me, but it humbles me. It slows me down, asking me to notice every inhale and exhale. Breathing becomes both struggle and triumph.
I may never fully understand why this became part of me, but I am learning to live with it, making peace with my invisible companion. Some days are heavy, some days lighter. Always there. Always teaching me that fragility is not a weakness but only a reminder that life, in its rawest form, demands tenderness.
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