Rhinitis (nasal inflammation)

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Rhinitis (nasal inflammation) (Disease)


Description

Rhinitis is a medical term for irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. Common symptoms of rhinitis are a stuffy nose, runny nose, and post-nasal drip. The most common kind of rhinitis is allergic rhinitis, which is usually triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen.

The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to those of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but theres no allergic reaction involved. Nonallergic rhinitis can affect children and adults, but is more common after age 20. The nose normally produces mucus to trap substances (like dust, pollen and pollution) and germs (bacteria and viruses). Mucus flows from the front of the nose and drains down the back of the throat. When too much mucus is made, it can cause a runny nose from the front or post-nasal drip from the back. Cough is the natural response to clearing the throat from post-nasal drip.

Causes and Risk factors

Nonallergic rhinitis occurs when blood vessels in your nose expand (dilate), filling the nasal lining with blood and fluid. There are several possible causes of this abnormal expansion of the blood vessels or inflammation in the nose. But, whatever the trigger, the result is the same — swollen nasal membranes and congestion. Many things can trigger the nasal swelling in nonallergic rhinitis — some resulting in short-lived symptoms while others cause chronic problems.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once allergic rhinitis is diagnosed, treatment options include avoidance, medication and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Medications help to reduce nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching. They are available in many forms, including tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops and liquids. Intranasal corticosteroids are the single most effective drug class for allergic rhinitis treatment. They can significantly reduce nasal congestion as well as sneezing, itching and runny nose.

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