Rhinitis…

when a reaction occurs that causes nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching.

 

rhinitis

WHAT IS Rhinitis?

The word “rhinitis” means “inflammation of the nose.” The condition typically involves nasal congestion or obstruction, runny nose, or post-nasal drip, itchy nose, and/or sneezing.

Most types of rhinitis are associated with symptoms in the eyes, ears, or throat.

People with asthma are at risk for rhinitis. Rhinitis makes it harder to breathe through the nose, and it becomes harder for the nose to work normally. This often causes one to breath through the mouth which does not warm, filter, or humidify the air before it enters the lungs, often making asthma symptoms worse.

TYPES OF rhinitis:

ACUTE: lasts only few days or up to four weeks, and is usually caused by a viral illness.

CHRONIC: the inflammation is long-term, lasting for more than four weeks. This is usually categorized into two groups:

  • ALLERGIC / SEASONAL: triggered when allergens in the air cause the release of histamine in the body. This results in itching, swelling, and fluid build up in the fragile linings of the nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids.

  • NON-ALLERGIC: any form of rhinitis that doesn’t involve the body’s immune system; rather it often is triggered by environmental issues such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, strong odors, or even something that cannot be identified. This type of rhinitis is less common representing about one-fourth of all rhinitis cases.

What can cause rhinitis?

COMMON: most often, rhinitis is caused by pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroach residue, animal dander, fumes, odors, temperature, hormonal changes, environmental changes, certain medicines or overuse of topical nose sprays, smoke, or certain foods or spices.

ALLERGIC / SEASONAL: with this type of rhinitis, allergens that are present in the air combine together with a substance known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the nose. To defend itself, the body releases a histamine, a chemical to help defend itself against the allergen. Common allergens include: ragweed, pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, or cockroach residue.

NONALLERGIC / YEAR-ROUND: most often due to allergies (hay fever), but can also be due to: hormonal changes associated with pregnancy/menstrution/thyroid conditions, medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-blockers, antidepressants, oral contraceptives), irritants in the air (perfumes, detergents, strong odors, smog, smoke), overuse of nasal decongestant sprays, stress, extensive sinus surgery, structural problems affecting the nasal passages (deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, enlarged adenoids), or other medical conditions ( asthma, chronic sinusitis, gastrointestinal reflux “GERD”).

Diagnosis & Treatment of Rhinitis

rhinitis symptoms

The primary symptom of rhinitis is nasal congestion. You may feel like you need to blow your nose all the time, but when you do so, very little mucus is produced. This is because the congestion isn’t really caused by mucus buildup, but rather because the nasal passages are swollen. Symptoms usually include:

• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose, throat, eyes and ears
• Nosebleeds
• Clear drainage from nose
• Ear infections that keep returning
• Snoring
• Breathing through the mouth
• Tiredness

How is Rhinitis diagnosed?

Usually, a diagnosis can be determined based on an in-depth history and physical exam including rhinoscopy. Additionally, the patient may have:

• Dark circles under the eyes
• Creases under the eyes
• Swollen tissues inside the nose
• Mouth breathing

How is Rhinitis treated?

Avoiding the allergens causing the problems is often the best treatment. Preventive measures can include:

• Avoiding areas with heavy dust, mites, or molds
• Avoiding pets
• Avoiding what you know you are allergic to
• Controlling your environment better such as using air conditioning with a good quality air filter (HEPA filter) during pollen season

Because the symptoms of rhinitis can sometimes appear like other conditions or medical problems, it is best to see a qualified rhinologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatments may include:

• Antihistamines
• Nose sprays
• Decongestants
• Medicines for asthma symptoms
• Allergy shots
• Rhinoscopic surgery
• Laser surgery
• Cryosurgery