Chronic Rhinitis: Simple Daily Ways to Ease Nasal Discomfort

As featured in Shin Min Daily News (16 Dec 2025)

Chronic rhinitis can cause persistent nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal irritation—especially when exposure to triggers increases. While medical assessment and treatment are important, daily habits and environmental control can also help reduce flare-ups and improve comfort.

This article is written based on practical advice shared by Dr 郭亮 (ENT specialist), Aglow ENT, under Beyond Medical Group, as featured in Shin Min Daily News on 16 Dec 2025.

1) During haze or high-allergen periods, reduce indoor exposure

When outdoor air quality is poor (e.g., haze) or allergens such as pollen are higher, symptoms may worsen due to increased nasal irritation.

What you can do:

  • Keep windows closed during peak haze or allergy periods

  • Use an air purifier to reduce indoor irritants

  • Minimise bringing allergens indoors (change clothes after outdoor exposure if needed)

2) Maintain air-conditioner hygiene to lower indoor irritants

Air-conditioning is common in daily life, but filters that are not cleaned regularly may collect dust and particles that can aggravate nasal symptoms.

What you can do:

  • Clean air-conditioner filters routinely

  • Replace filters as recommended

  • Keep the indoor environment clean to reduce dust build-up

3) Reduce dust mites with bedding hygiene

Dust mites are a frequent trigger for rhinitis symptoms, especially in warm and humid environments.

What you can do:

  • Wash bedsheets and pillowcases regularly

  • When suitable for the fabric, wash with warmer water settings

  • Keep bedroom shows lower dust accumulation through routine cleaning

4) Avoid staying too long in overly cold, dry air-conditioned environments

Cold, dry air can irritate the nasal lining and may worsen dryness, congestion, and discomfort for some individuals.

What you can do:

  • Avoid setting the temperature too low

  • Take breaks from prolonged air-conditioning exposure

  • Keep indoor conditions comfortable rather than excessively cold/dry

When should you see an ENT doctor?

If symptoms persist, recur frequently, or affect sleep and daily function, it may be time to consult an ENT specialist for evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Seek medical attention earlier if you experience:

  • symptoms that are getting worse over time
  • significant blockage affecting sleep
  • recurrent sinus pain/pressure or fever
  • reduced sense of smell that persists

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education and does not replace medical consultation. Assessment is important because nasal symptoms can have different causes and may require different treatments.

Media feature credit: Shin Min Daily News, 16 Dec 2025 (feature on Dr 郭亮 / Aglow ENT, Beyond Medical Group).