Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Acute and Chronic Rhinitis. Let’s dive in!
Rhinitis is generally classified into two main types: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis, depending on the cause. Allergic rhinitis is further divided into seasonal (triggered by specific seasons) and perennial (present all year round). Non-allergic rhinitis can be either infectious or non-infectious. Based on clinical patterns, rhinitis can also be categorized as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting).
What Causes Acute and Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis can be divided into several types based on the cause:
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Infectious rhinitis, caused by repeated infections
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Vasomotor rhinitis, triggered by environmental irritants
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Drug-induced rhinitis, caused by prolonged use of certain medications
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Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, where the nasal mucosa and bone thicken over time
Infectious chronic rhinitis often develops when acute rhinitis is not treated properly and becomes a recurring infection. It can also occur due to chronic inflammation in the sinuses (sinusitis) or tonsils, or in individuals with poor overall health or weakened immune systems. This type is common among children and often accompanies chronic sinusitis.
Vasomotor rhinitis can be triggered by cold air, sudden changes in temperature or humidity, fatigue, stress, cigarette smoke, dust, or exposure to air conditioners or heaters.
Drug-induced rhinitis commonly occurs when nasal decongestant sprays are used for more than two weeks to manage symptoms like nasal congestion. Other medications, such as certain antihypertensives or vasodilators, can also irritate the nasal lining and cause rhinitis.
Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis develops when inflammation continues over time, regardless of the initial cause of the rhinitis.
What Are the Symptoms and Diagnosis of Acute/Chronic Rhinitis?
The most common symptom of chronic rhinitis is nasal congestion. It usually alternates between nostrils but can affect both sides in severe cases, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This leads many patients to rely on mouth breathing. The symptoms often worsen at night and when lying on one side, as the lower nostril tends to swell.
Another typical symptom is runny nose (rhinorrhea). The discharge is usually clear but can turn yellow or greenish if there's a bacterial infection. Often, the mucus flows to the back of the throat—this is known as postnasal drip.
Other symptoms may include frequent sneezing attacks due to nerve exposure from inflammation, and a reduced or lost sense of smell. Chronic rhinitis may also lead to complications such as conjunctivitis or otitis media (middle ear infection).
How Is Rhinitis Treated and Managed?
In cases of infectious rhinitis, proper antibiotic treatment is usually effective. However, if it progresses to chronic hypertrophic rhinitis due to insufficient treatment, surgery may be necessary.
For vasomotor rhinitis, treatment typically includes topical nasal corticosteroids, which help with both congestion and runny nose. Depending on the symptoms, anticholinergic drugs may also be used. If the patient has structural issues like a deviated septum, surgical correction may enhance the effectiveness of medication.
Drug-induced rhinitis should be treated by discontinuing the responsible medication. Rhinitis caused by nasal decongestant sprays often resolves once the sprays are stopped for 2–3 weeks, allowing normal nasal function to return.
Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis may be treated with topical nasal corticosteroids or long-acting steroid injections. If these don’t work, surgical options such as turbinate reduction or resection may be considered.
How to Prevent or Minimize Rhinitis
Once rhinitis develops, it’s important to treat it early to prevent it from becoming chronic.
For vasomotor rhinitis, avoiding environmental triggers is key.
For drug-induced rhinitis, never use nasal decongestant sprays continuously for long periods without medical guidance.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Rhinitis
If you have chronic rhinitis, avoid environments that irritate your nasal passages and take extra care to prevent respiratory infections.
If you're experiencing:
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Persistent nasal congestion and frequent runny nose
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Frequent sneezing attacks or a weakened sense of smell
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Symptoms that last a long time
…it’s best to consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
