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Rhinitis causes swelling of the nasal mucous membranes, leading to upper respiratory symptoms. It can be allergic or non-allergic, with various causes. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medications, targeting the underlying cause if necessary.
Rhinitis is a condition in which the mucous membranes lining the soft tissues inside the nose swell. It can produce a variety of upper respiratory symptoms. While the condition is typically broken down into one of two general categories, there can be many possible causes. Treatments generally include lifestyle changes and/or medications.
When a person has rhinitis, the blood vessels within the soft tissues of the nasal cavity swell, which causes the mucous membranes to produce more mucus. This swelling and excess mucus can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and coughing up mucus that runs down the back of the throat. Depending on the underlying cause, a person may also have an itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes. Over time, excess mucus can provide a breeding ground for bacteria in and around the nasal cavity, potentially leading to sinus or ear infections.
Typically, the condition is divided into two general categories: allergic and non-allergic. Allergic rhinitis is usually caused by exposure to a substance that a person is allergic to, such as dust, mold, or pollen. This is the type that can include symptoms such as itchy eyes and nose, which are common effects of the immune system’s reaction to exposure to allergens.
Non-allergic rhinitis can have a variety of different causes. These can include, for example, hormonal changes, stress, the common cold and irritants in the air, such as smoke or chemicals. This form of the condition can also occur in response to the use of certain medications, such as high blood pressure medications which can affect the blood vessels in the nose.
Treatments often include lifestyle changes and medications. Some changes can help treat both allergic and non-allergic forms. For example, for both allergic rhinitis and rhinitis caused by exposure to irritants, avoiding the offending substances can help. Regularly flushing your nasal passages with a saline solution can also help clear excess mucus, regardless of the cause. Certain medications, such as decongestants, nasal spray antihistamines, and nasal spray steroids can also help with a variety of forms of the condition.
Sometimes, however, treatments that target the underlying cause are recommended. For example, allergic rhinitis can be treated with oral antihistamines or allergy injections, both of which can help modulate the immune system’s response to allergenic triggers. Or, if the problem is a side effect of taking certain medications, treatment may involve adjusting the dose or stopping the medication.
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