Rhinitis
Inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa characterized by the following clinical symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion or itching (itchy nose).
Classification
Rhinitis is classified as allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mold, or the skin flakes of certain animals.
Allergic rhinitis usually causes cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. These symptoms usually start shortly after being exposed to an allergen (the substance that causes the allergic reaction).
Some people only have allergic rhinitis for a few months because they are sensitive to seasonal allergens, such as pollen or grass. Other people have allergic rhinitis throughout the year.
Most people with allergic rhinitis have mild symptoms that can be easily and effectively treated. But for some people, the symptoms can be severe and persistent, causing trouble sleeping and interfering with everyday life. Allergic rhinitis symptoms occasionally improve over time, but this can take many years and the condition is unlikely to go away completely.
Allergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system reacting to an allergen as if it were harmful. This results in cells releasing a number of chemicals that cause the inner lining of the nose (the mucous membrane) to swell and produce too much mucus.
Prevention and treatment
Although it is not easy, you should avoid possible allergens, which you know or suspect are causing allergic rhinitis. If the symptoms are mild, antihistamines are usually prescribed and recommended, it is also advisable to humidify and wash the nasal passages with saline solution.
In more severe cases, corticosteroids are used.
When symptoms are severe or significantly reduce the quality of life, vaccination is recommended. Vaccines normally contain a small (and gradually increasing) amount of an allergen mixture. Over time, the body recognizes the allergen and no longer reacts to it.
Complications
Allergic rhinitis can lead to complications in some cases.
- Nasal polyps: abnormal (benign) growth of tissue within the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis): an infection caused by nasal swelling and inflammation that prevents mucus from draining from the sinuses and leads to nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pain, and decreased or loss of smell.
- Infections of the middle ear: infection of the part of the ear located directly behind the eardrum.
These complications are treated medically, although surgery is required in some cases.
NON-allergic rhinitis
“Non-allergic rhinitis” is the medical term used to describe the following symptoms when they occur without a known allergic cause for weeks or months for at least a year:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose (congestion)
- Post nasal drip
Symptoms are generally present throughout the year, although they can be made worse by certain weather conditions (for example, those that accompany seasonal changes). Unlike allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis does not affect the immune system.
What Causes Non-allergic Rhinitis?
Nonallergic rhinitis can occur as a result of:
Viral diseases
- For example, the cold.
Environmental factors
- Tobacco
- Perfumes
- Paint fumes
- Changes in temperature
- Stress