What is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the nose, leading to typical symptoms such as:
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runny nose (rhinorrhea)
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nasal congestion
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sneezing
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​nasal itching
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post-nasal drip: excess mucus produced in the nasal passages dripping down the back of the throat, leading to a persistent sensation of throat clearing or a cough
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reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)
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Rhinitis can be classified into several types based on its cause.
Types
Rhinitis can be caused by various factors, leading to different types of rhinitis.
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Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens. It is further divided into:
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Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Symptoms occur at specific times of the year.
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Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Caused by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings. Symptoms occur year-round.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis is not triggered by allergens but by other factors, including:​
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Vasomotor Rhinitis also known as nonallergic rhinitis, is a type of rhinitis that is not caused by allergies. It occurs when the blood vessels inside your nose become inflamed and irritated, causing them to swell and leading to a stuffy or runny nose. Common triggers include:
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​strong odors (perfume, smoke, cleaning products)​
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sudden changes in temperature or humidity
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hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, menstruation)
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certain medications
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spicy foods and drinks
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alcohol
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emotional stress
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Infectious rhinitis is usually caused by viral infections like the common cold but can also be bacterial.
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Hormonal rhinitis is linked to hormonal changes due to thyroid disorders or during pregnancy, and occasionally reported during menstruation.
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Drug-induced rhinitis can occur with the use of certain medications such as antihypertensives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Duration
The duration of rhinitis, whether allergic or non-allergic, depends on the specific type and cause. Acute rhinitis is short lived, usually lasting less than two weeks and is caused by a viral infection. Chronic rhinitis persists for more than 12 weeks
​and is caused by allergies or non-allergic triggers. In such cases, symptoms may be constant or it can come and go.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing rhinitis involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. In cases of allergic rhinitis, allergy testing (skin prick tests or blood tests) may be performed to identify specific allergens. For non-allergic rhinitis, a detailed history of symptom triggers and a physical exam can suffice.
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Learn more about allergy testing at ENT Family through this link.
Treatment
Treatment for rhinitis depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary, and the symptoms will resolve on their own. In other cases, treatment may include:
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Medications: Medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, can be used to relieve the symptoms of chronic rhinitis.
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Allergy shots: Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy that can help to reduce allergy symptoms. Learn more about allergy shots here.
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Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in some cases to correct a physical problem in the nose, such as a deviated septum. Learn more about deviated septum here.
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If you have chronic rhinitis, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
Management
Here are some tips to help manage rhinitis:
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Avoid your triggers: If you know what triggers your chronic rhinitis, try to avoid those things. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors during pollen season.
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Rinse your nose: Rinsing your nose with a saline solution can help to clear mucus and allergens.
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Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help to relieve dryness and irritation in the nose.
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Get plenty of rest: Rest can help your body to fight off infection and reduce inflammation.