Chronic rhinitis

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Chronic rhinitis (Disease)


Description

Chronic rhinitis is an Otorhinolaryngological condition involving chronic inflammation of the nose. Nasal mucosa atrophy, including the glands, turbinate bones and the nerve elements supplying the nose can sometimes occur.

There are several forms of chronic rhinitis: chronic simple rhinitis, chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, dry rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, caseosa rhinitis, allergic rhinitis and drug-induced rhinitis.

People with chronic rhinitis may experience nasal or sinus congestion, which can persist for several weeks or longer. The congestion can lead to difficulty resting and sleeping. Other symptoms are: difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or while performing exercise or physical activity and even asthma; frequent or persistent itching; excessive amount of mucus in the throat, which is also referred to as phlegm; painful swallowing and a sore throat; earaches; drippy or runny nose.

Causes and Risk factors

Exposure to perennial allergens, such as pet dander or dust mites in a home, medications like beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, oral contraceptives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, airborne substances - air pollution, dust, and smoke), abnormal hypersensitive response to stimuli of any sort like dry air, perfume, spicy food, animals and chemical can cause chronic rhinitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If the runny nose is caused by a viral infection (influenza, upper respiratory infection) the treatment is: rest, increased fluids and using a vaporizer. And if the runny nose is caused by a bacterial infection (sinusitis. . . ) antibiotics are useful. Air purifiers and allergens can prevent or improve runny nose due to allergies or allergic rhinitis. ...