Understanding Rhinitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Understanding rhinitis may help you better avoid and treat it. Rhinitis can be divided into two main types: allergic and nonallergic. While allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system reacts to environmental triggers such as pollen and dust, nonallergic rhinitis is often caused by a virus. Both types of rhinitis cause similar symptoms.
What Is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis occurs when the mucous membranes in the nose become inflamed. It is often in response to seasonal allergies or colds. The condition may be short-lived or chronic and can impact children and adults.
What Are the Symptoms of Rhinitis?
A stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and postnasal drip are some symptoms of rhinitis. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic rhinitis is more likely to cause itching in your eyes and nose than rhinitis caused by a cold. Allergic rhinitis typically resolves when the offending allergen is no longer present. Rhinitis caused by a cold usually disappears within a week.
How Is Rhinitis Treated?
Avoiding allergens such as pollen and mold can drastically improve your symptoms. Certain medications may be prescribed for both types of rhinitis. Your doctor might prescribe an antihistamine for short-lived symptoms or a nasal corticosteroid spray for extended relief. While nasal corticosteroid sprays are specifically recommended for allergic rhinitis, nasal decongestant sprays reduce nasal stuffiness in both types of rhinitis. Allergy shots are another option, especially for symptoms that are harder to control.
Taking an antihistamine without a decongestant once a day or using a nasal steroid spray can also maintain symptoms of allergic rhinitis throughout allergy season.
Can an ENT Treat Rhinitis?
An ENT (ear, nose, throat) physician can treat rhinitis. They may ask how long your symptoms last and whether they worsen during certain times of the year. A simple skin test can reveal whether your rhinitis is due to allergies. The ENT can create an individualized treatment plan based on your age, overall health and medication tolerance. Although avoiding allergens can greatly reduce symptoms, your doctor might also suggest certain medications.
Whether symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy eyes appear suddenly or predictably during allergy season, the culprit could be rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis occurs when you’re exposed to pollen, dust or other irritants. Nonallergic rhinitis may be caused by the common cold or even a physical defect, such as a deviated symptom. Our doctors can perform tests and suggest medication to relieve your symptoms. Understanding rhinitis and knowing when to call the doctor is the first step in treatment.
Scheduling an appointment with Commonwealth ENT is the first step in understanding rhinitis and diagnosing the cause of and treating your ear, nose or throat condition. Contact us today and take the first step in feeling great! For an appointment, contact us at our Richmond office at (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office at(804) 378-7443.