Chronic rhinitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Chronic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis that causes symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing, blocked and/or runny nose, decreased sense of smell, itchy nose and nasal voice, which can last for weeks or be persistent, in the most serious cases.

Typically, chronic rhinitis occurs due to allergies, but it can also be caused by contact with irritating substances, such as smoke and pollutants, some anti-inflammatory medications and consumption of hot foods and/or drinks, for example.

If chronic rhinitis is suspected, it is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist. Treatment may involve the use of medications, such as anti-allergens and corticosteroids, and nasal washing with saline solution, for example, in addition to avoiding contact with substances that aggravate symptoms.

Chronic rhinitis symptoms

The main symptoms of chronic rhinitis are:

• Coughing and sneezing;
• Stuffy nose;
• Clear nasal secretion;
• Decreased sense of smell;
• Itching in the nose, eyes, throat and/or roof of the mouth;
• Watery red eyes;
• Voice unsalted.

These symptoms tend to be caused or worsened by contact with irritating substances, such as smoke, strong odors and perfumes, or those that cause allergies, such as pollen, dust and animal hair.

Furthermore, depending on the cause of chronic rhinitis, symptoms can take weeks to improve and, in more severe cases, be persistent, especially when the person continues to come into contact with substances that aggravate rhinitis.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of chronic rhinitis is made by an otorhinolaryngologist or allergist based on symptoms, the person’s health history, especially allergies, and changes such as paleness and swelling identified during rhinoscopy, which is an examination of the nasal cavity.

If you want to make an appointment, you can find the otorhinolaryngologist closest to you using the tool below:

In addition, the doctor may also recommend tests such as tomography of the nasal passages, to check whether there are changes in the structure of the nose, and allergy tests, which can identify possible substances that cause symptoms. Find out how the allergy test is done.

Main causes

The most common causes of chronic rhinitis are:

• Allergies, due to contact with dust, animal hair or pollen, for example;
• Irritant substances, such as smoke, products with strong smells and pollutants;
• Some medications, especially anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen;
• Hormonal changes, due to pregnancy or hypothyroidism, for example;
• Hot and/or spicy foods or drinks.

Most of the time, chronic rhinitis is caused by an allergy to specific substances or products, and is also known as allergic rhinitis. Understand better what allergic rhinitis is and its causes.

Treatment for chronic rhinitis

Treatment for chronic rhinitis must be carried out under the guidance of an otorhinolaryngologist, allergist or immunologist according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person.

The treatment of chronic rhinitis indicated by your doctor may include:

• Oral antihistamineswhich help to alleviate the symptoms of rhinitis attacks;
• Nasal corticosteroidswhich act as anti-inflammatories, also helping to alleviate rhinitis symptoms;
• Nasal or oral decongestantswhich help reduce nasal obstruction;
• Nasal wash with saline solution, which helps reduce irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, relieving symptoms. Learn how to wash your nose;
• Surgerywhich is indicated especially in cases where there are nasal polyps or persistent nasal obstruction, for example.

Furthermore, to control the symptoms of chronic rhinitis, measures such as washing your nose with saline regularly and avoiding contact with pollutants or substances to which you are allergic, such as smoke, animal hair and strong perfumes, are recommended.

Is chronic rhinitis curable?

Chronic rhinitis has no cure, but it can be controlled. The main way to control rhinitis is to avoid contact with substances that cause and/or worsen symptoms, such as dust, mold or smoke.

Sometimes the doctor may recommend immunological desensitization therapy, which involves administering a vaccine to reduce the person’s sensitivity to substances that worsen the symptoms of rhinitis.

Although the vaccine does not cure rhinitis, its effect can last up to 3 years after finishing treatment in some cases. See how the rhinitis vaccine works.