Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose. This swelling produces symptoms commonly associated with allergies and the common cold: runny nose, stuffiness, congestion, and sneezing. Different causes can be experienced acutely (temporary) or chronically.
Chronic rhinitis persists for three months or longer, impacting daily life and wellness. Chronic rhinitis symptoms include persistent runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and postnasal drip. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million people experience various types of allergies yearly. Knowing the source of your allergies, reducing exposure, and treating symptoms can significantly reduce the impact of chronic rhinitis.
Common Causes: What Causes Chronic Rhinitis
The causes of rhinitis can be categorized as allergic or non-allergic and include the following:
Allergic Rhinitis: also known as hay fever, is produced by the body’s immune system responding to a specific environmental trigger known as an allergen. The immune system accidentally identifies a substance (the allergen) as a threat, activating its response system to neutralize it. This involves releasing antibodies that detect the allergen whenever you experience it, releasing chemicals like histamine into your bloodstream. This then produces the symptoms commonly associated with allergies. People can come into contact with an allergen in various ways: ingesting, inhaling, touching, or injecting into the body. The most common type of allergen is pollen, which causes seasonal allergies. Other sources of allergic rhinitis include pet dander, mold, and fungi. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching, often triggered by pollen, dust, and animal dander.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis: less common, non-allergic rhinitis accounts for about one-fourth of all rhinitis cases. The body’s immune system does not cause this type but instead by impacted blood vessels in the nose, leading to congestion. Non-allergic triggers often include chemicals with strong odors (detergents, perfumes), tobacco, pollution, and weather changes. Viral infections like the common cold can also cause non-allergic rhinitis. Unlike allergic rhinitis, an itchy nose is typically not a symptom of non-allergic rhinitis.
Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis produce similar symptoms: runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and itchy/watery eyes. This can be self-managed using a combination of methods.
Allergy testing is essential for confirming whether allergens cause symptoms. Standard testing methods include skin prick and blood tests to identify specific triggers for nasal allergy symptoms.
To diagnose chronic rhinitis, specialists such as ENT doctors and rhinologists conduct various assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, and tests like allergy and imaging tests.
Treating Chronic Rhinitis Symptoms
People often use a wide range of over-the-counter medications and natural remedies to alleviate symptoms. Nonprescription medications include:
- Antihistamines: taken orally to alleviate allergy symptoms. Examples include Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc. More straightforward interventions can effectively manage less severe symptoms for mild allergic rhinitis.
- Decongestants: are intended to alleviate nasal congestion and can be taken orally or via nasal spray. Nasal sprays play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and providing relief from congestion.
- Antihistamines and decongestants: are often combined to tackle symptoms and provide relief comprehensively. Additionally, people incorporate various forms of home remedies to alleviate symptoms. These include:
- Rinsing nasal passages with saline solution: to reduce congestion and nasal inflammation. There are different tools used to do this like a neti pot.
- Facial steaming: steam from boiling water, a humidifier, or another machine helps drain the mucus accumulated in the nose and causes congestion. Facial steaming can also help alleviate postnasal drip.
- Drinking tea, herbal mixtures, honey, etc. alleviating throat irritation.
If there are structural issues that are contributing to chronic rhinitis, surgery may be a treatment option. Issues like a deviated septum can impact sinuses and be corrected through surgery. Nasal polyps can also significantly impact chronic rhinitis and may require surgical intervention.
Allergy shots are another treatment option for allergic rhinitis. This immunotherapy helps patients build long-term tolerance to specific allergens by gradually increasing the dosage. Allergy shots are beneficial when avoidance of allergens is not possible or when symptoms are difficult to control.
Tips to Manage Rhinitis with Nasal Sprays
In addition to identifying the source of your allergies, there are numerous ways to manage rhinitis that minimize its impact. A few tips include:
- Pollen is the most common cause of rhinitis, so it is essential to be aware of the amount of pollen! Regularly check weather projections so you know when pollen is high. This can help you better prepare by taking necessary medications in advance. Seasonal allergic rhinitis often peaks during spring and summer, making it crucial to monitor pollen levels during these times.
- Keep windows and doors closed when pollen is high, and avoid being outdoors.
- Keep the air in your indoor environment as clean as possible by vacuuming regularly, using a dehumidifier, consistently replacing air conditioning filters, etc.
- Find the most practical combination of over-the-counter medications and natural remedies that works for you. This can take some experimenting! Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.
Vasomotor rhinitis is another form of chronic rhinitis characterized by nasal symptoms such as stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose, occurring without any allergies. Irritants and environmental changes often trigger this condition. Management strategies typically involve avoiding known triggers and using medications like corticosteroids and antihistamine sprays.
Navigating chronic rhinitis can be challenging, especially during the spring and summer months when pollen is most pervasive. Consistently dealing with symptoms can be unpleasant and disruptive. Taking the time to establish the most effective treatment plan that alleviates your symptoms can drastically improve your experience of rhinitis. Additionally, reducing your exposure to allergens and prioritizing your health in this way can enhance overall wellness!
If you are struggling with chronic rhinitis, contact us today! We provide comprehensive ENT services and are here to help.