Rhinitis commonly known as astuffy nose, is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose. The primary symptom of rhinitis is nasal dripping. It is caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose due to viruses, bacteria or irritants. The inflammation results in the generating of excessive amounts of mucus, commonly producing the aforementioned runny nose, as well as nasal congestionand post-nasal drip. According to recent studies completed in the United States, more than 50 million Americans are current sufferers.]Rhinitis has also been found to adversely affect more than just the nose, throat, and eyes. It has been associated with sleeping problems, ear conditions, and even learning problems.[1] Rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine, which is most often triggered by airborne allergens. These allergens may affect an individual's nose, throat, or eyes and cause an increase in fluid production within these areas.
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[Types
Rhinitis is categorized into three types: (i) infective rhinitis includes acute and chronic bacterial infections; (ii) nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis includes autonomic, hormonal, drug-induced, atrophic, and gustatory rhinitis, as well as rhinitis medicamentosa; (iii) allergic rhinitis, the mic reaction triggered by pollen, mold, animal dander, dust and other similar inhaled allergens.
Infectious
See also: Common cold and Sinusitis
Rhinitis is commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection, including the common cold, which is caused by Rhinoviruses and Coronaviruses, or bacterial sinusitis. Symptoms of the common cold include rhinorrhea, sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, congestion, and slight headache.
Vasomotor rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis refers to runny nose that is not due to allergy. Non-allergic rhinitis can be classified as either non-inflammatory or inflammatory rhinitis. One very common type of non-inflammatory, non-allergic rhinitis that is sometimes confused with allergy is called vasomotor rhinitis,[3] in which certain non-allergic triggers such as smells, fumes, smoke, dusts, and temperature changes, cause rhinitis. There is still much to be learned about this entity, but it is thought that these non-allergic triggers cause dilation of the blood vessels in the lining of the nose, which results in swelling, and drainage. Vasomotor rhinitis can coexist with allergic rhinitis, and this is called "mixed rhinitis." (Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice, seventh edition.) The pathology of vasomotor rhinitis appears to involve neurogenic inflammation PMID 18651116 and is as yet not very well understood. More research is needed. Vasomotor rhinitis appears to be significantly more common in women than men, leading some researchers to believe that hormones play a role. In general, age of onset occurs after 20 years of age, in contrast to allergic rhinitis which can be developed at any age. Individuals suffering from vasomotor rhinitis typically experience symptoms year-round, though symptoms may exacerbate in the spring and autumn when rapid weather changes are more common.[4] An estimated 17 million United States citizens have vasomotor rhinitis. The antihistamineazelastine has been shown to be effective for allergic, mixed, and vasomotor rhinitis.[5] Fluticasone propionate in nostril spray form may also be used for symptomatic treatment.
Allergic
Main article: Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system, it triggers antibody production. These antibodies mostly bind to mast cells, which containhistamine. When the mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine (and other chemicals) are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary in severity between individuals. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such aschlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can greatly aggravate the condition.
Characteristic physical findings in individuals who have allergic rhinitis include conjunctival swelling and erythema, eyelid swelling, lower eyelid venous stasis, lateral crease on the nose, swollen nasal turbinates, and middle ear effusion.[6]
Rhinitis medicamentosa
It is a condition of rebound nasal congestion brought on by extended use of topical decongestants(e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, and naphazoline nasal sprays) that work by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
Chronic atrophic rhinitis
Main article: Chronic atrophic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis in form of atrophy of the mucous membrane and glands.
Rhinitis sicca
Chronic form of dryness of the mucous membranes
Hypertrophic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis with permanent thickening of the mucous membrane.
Polypous rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis associated with polyps in the nasal cavity.
Management
The management of rhinitis depends on the underlying cause.
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Rhinitis
| What is rhinitis? Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose and throat when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes inflammation and fluid production in the fragile linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids. What are the different types of rhinitis? The two categories of rhinitis are: |  |
- allergic rhinitis
There are two types of allergic rhinitis:
- seasonal - occurs particularly during pollen seasons
- perennial - occurs throughout the year
The most-common causes of allergic rhinitis are:
Reactions from allergic rhinitis include:
- pollen
- dust mites
- mold
- animal dander
Preventive measures for avoiding allergic rhinitis include:
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
- environmental controls, such as air conditioning, during pollen season
- avoiding areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds
Treatments for allergic rhinitis, as determined by your physician and based on your condition, may include:
- avoiding pets
- oral medications
- inhaled medications
- immunotherapy
- allergy injections
- nonallergic rhinitis
Types of nonallergic rhinitis are:
- vasomotor rhinitis (irritant rhinitis)
- eosinophilic
- rhinitis medicamentosa
- neutrophilic rhinosinusitis
- structural rhinitis
- nasal polyps
- primary vasomotor instability
Causes of nonallergic rhinitis include:
Reactions from nonallergic rhinitis include:
- fumes
- odors
- temperature
- atmospheric changes
- smoke
- other irritants
The preventive measure for avoiding nonallergic rhinitis is avoiding the primary cause.
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
Treatments for nonallergic rhinitis, as determined by your physician and based on your condition, may include:
- oral medications
- inhaled medications
- immunotherapy
- allergy injections
- surgery for some conditions
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