Rhinitis – what it is, types, symptoms, treatment

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Rhinitis, a common runny nose, is a viral ailment. Inflammatory changes in the mucosa are usually confined to the nose, nasal and oropharynx. Sometimes rhinitis continues to spread to the larynx, trachea and bronchi, and a bacterial infection may join the viral infection. It then includes the paranasal sinuses, pharynx, middle ear and lungs.

What is rhinitis?

Rhinitis, popularly known as runny nose, is a viral disease characterized by inflammatory changes in the nasal mucosa, nasal and oropharynx. Rhinitis can be acute (infectious) and chronic: then we talk about allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. The virus that causes acute ordinary rhinitis is most often spread by airborne droplets. Therefore, the prevention of acute rhinitis is mainly about avoiding contact with the sick. Such a procedure is especially advisable in the periods of worsening of the disease, which usually happens in autumn and spring. Rhinitis is often accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing and itching in the throat and nose.

Types of rhinitis

Rhinitis can be:

1.allergic – usually occurs seasonally and is caused by allergens in the air, e.g. pollen of flowering plants and mites. Runny nose disappears after breaking contact with the allergen;

2.Nonallergic – is usually associated with inflammation of the nasal mucosa and is manifested by itching, sneezing and nasal stuffiness;

3. hypertrophic atrophic – occurs as a result of changes on the mucosa, which becomes thinner over time. The consequence is a disturbance in the production of secretions. The dryness of the mucosa can lead to the formation of crusts in the nose;

4. chronic hypertrophic – characterized by obstruction of the nose on both sides. Runny nose is accompanied by polyps in the nose that are inflammatory. Surgical treatment is necessary;

5. chronic atrophic halitosis – in addition to a runny nose, there is an unpleasant smell from the mouth;

6. chronic vasomotor disorders – occurs as a result of a sudden temperature change or overheating of the feet or back.

General symptoms of rhinitis

The symptoms of a runny nose include sneezing, itching in the throat and nose, and lacrimation; after some time hoarseness and coughing join. The most characteristic signs, however, are gradual nasal obstruction (stuffy nose) and leakage of fluid from the nose. Initially, it is a light and quite thin liquid, later the discharge becomes thicker and becomes greenish-yellow. Herpes sometimes appear on the skin of the lips. Local lesions are accompanied by general symptoms:

1. weakness,
2. Headache,
3. low-grade fever.

Acute uncomplicated rhinitis usually lasts 5–7 days.

In the course of acute rhinitis, the patient should stay at home, preferably in isolation to protect other people from infection. The patient’s room should be warm, but overheating should be avoided. Properly moistened air helps to clear the respiratory tract of secretions that dry out easily. The most effective way to humidify is to use an electric humidifier. An easily digestible diet and drinking plenty of drinks, e.g. diluted fruit juices, are recommended.

Acute simple rhinitis

It is simply the common cold and is usually caused by influenza viruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses. Runny nose can also have a bacterial background, it can be caused by bacteria such as: Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. A runny nose is very watery at first, but only becomes denser over time, which makes breathing difficult. In addition, the patient may develop a cough as the throat is irritated by nasal discharge or a viral throat infection. Patients additionally have symptoms in the form of headaches, redness, tearing and itching of the conjunctiva (viral conjunctivitis often occurs).

Rhinitis – non-allergic

Non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor, idiopathic) is a chronic non-inflammatory condition that has nothing to do with allergies. It occurs due to the expansion of blood vessels in the nasal cavity. This leads to swelling of the mucosa and excess discharge, which is a runny nose. The causes of this type of catarrh are not fully known, why it is often referred to as idiopathic catarrh. It occurs more often in women than in men.

Factors irritating the mucosa:

1. rapid changes in the ambient temperature,
2. sudden changes in atmospheric pressure,
3. dry air,
4. fragrances,
5. hot spices,
6. sexual arousal
7. emotional agitation (stress),
8. taking certain medications (e.g. antihypertensive drugs, acetylsalicylic acid, xylometazoline). Their long-term use shrinks the nasal mucosa,
9. maturation and, consequently, the raging hormonal economy,
10. pregnancy (concentration of various hormones).

Non-allergic rhinitis can occur throughout the year, with periods of exacerbation (especially in spring and fall). Symptoms include stuffy nose, runny nose and sneezing.

Pear Runny nose STOP for adults will certainly help in getting rid of nasal secretions.

Diagnosis of idiopathic rhinitis

During the diagnosis, the medical interview with the patient is of great importance, especially regarding the living and social conditions and the circumstances in which the first symptoms appeared. In addition, the doctor performs an otolaryngological examination. Anterior rhinoscopy allows the visualization of the nasal cavity and its possible swelling of the mucosa. Diagnostics may show the need for allergy tests and blood tests. The diagnosis of idiopathic rhinitis is made after exclusion of acute simple rhinitis and allergic rhinitis.

How to heal?

Treatment of non-allergic rhinitis is primarily the elimination of the factors that cause the symptoms. Sometimes it is necessary to completely change your life so far, including your job. Supportive use is provided by sea salt solution in the form of a spray and steroid preparations (e.g. momentazone) and antihistamines. They alleviate the symptoms.

Rhinitis – allergic

Allergic rhinitis has very similar symptoms to idiopathic rhinitis. You have a runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose and sneezing. Sometimes there is also an unbearable itching of the eyes. However, there are symptoms specific to allergies, such as skin changes and eyelid edema. They are the result of an abnormal reaction of the immune system to a specific allergen, which under normal circumstances should not have such consequences. The human body, wishing to fight an allergen in the form of, for example, pollen from plants, causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa and symptoms of allergy.

Diagnostics

In order to diagnose allergic rhinitis, thorough diagnosis is essential medical interview with the patient and research in the form of allergy tests and otolaryngological examination. Anterior rhinoscopy reveals a pale and swollen mucosa, sometimes with thin discharge. In turn, allergic tests (skin tests, laboratory blood tests) allow to determine what type of allergen has caused rhinitis. Skin tests involve a minimal puncture of the skin and then applying a small amount of the allergen. If the reaction is positive – the skin will thicken and lumps will appear. On the other hand, in the blood test, antibodies produced by the body in response to contact with a specific allergen may be present.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

In the first place, the most important thing is to avoid factors causing allergy symptoms and to take antiallergic preparations. Usually drugs are nasal, and in the absence of effect – oral. These are mainly antihistamines, e.g. loratadine, cetirizine, nasal steroids (which only work after a few days of use) and fexofenadine. At the beginning, decongestants are used, e.g. xylometazoline (for a maximum of 5-7 days!). With allergic (seasonal) rhinitis, drugs are used periodically.

Desensitization is implemented in patients with severe ailments. It consists in the transdermal application of a gradually increasing dose of the allergen, at various intervals. Immunotherapy is aimed at getting the patient accustomed to the allergen and thus making it unlearning to react to allergy symptoms.

Complications of rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis can cause complications in the form of:

1. sinusitis (caused by too much discharge);
2. nasal polyps,
3. olfactory disorders,
4. otitis media (caused by impaired ventilation due to swelling of the nasal mucosa).

As a result of rhinitis, abrasions of the epidermis may also appear, which should be lubricated with Octenisan md – a nasal gel that effectively moisturizes and cleans the atria of the nose.

Treatment of rhinitis

Usually, a doctor’s assistance is not needed, except when rhinitis lasts longer than ten days or when symptoms of complications begin: high temperature, muscle aches, headaches in the frontal or orbital area, pain in the chest, worsening hoarseness, cough, earache.