Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa causing symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, cough, frequent sneezing, headache and red, watery and itchy eyes, for example.
Rhinitis is, in most cases, the result of allergies to dust, dust mites or hair, but it can also occur as a result of the use of nasal decongestants, for example, resulting in medicinal rhinitis.
The treatment of rhinitis must be guided by a doctor and may vary according to its cause, and the use of anti-allergy medications, hygiene and cleaning of the environment and immunotherapy may be indicated in cases where treatment with medication is not sufficient.
Rhinitis symptoms
The main symptoms of rhinitis are:
- Running nose;
- Frequent sneezing;
- Red, swollen and watery eye;
- Burning sensation in the eyes, nose and mouth;
- Persistent dry cough;
- Headache;
- Decreased hearing and smell.
Rhinitis can favor the emergence of other diseases, such as otitis and conjunctivitis due to the accumulation of secretions in the airways and compromised immune system function. Know how to identify all the symptoms of rhinitis.
Read too: Rhinitis in babies: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
What is the difference between rhinitis, sinusitis and rhinosinusitis?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which usually occurs in allergies, and which manifests itself with frequent sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and mouth.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal sinuses and is more associated with bacterial infections. Furthermore, the most characteristic symptoms of sinusitis are pain and a feeling of heaviness in the head, usually due to the accumulation of secretions. Learn more about how to identify and treat sinusitis.
Rhinosinusitis corresponds to inflammation of the nasal mucosa and nasal sinuses and presents the same symptoms as sinusitis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of rhinitis is made by an otorhinolaryngologist, allergist or general practitioner by evaluating the symptoms presented by the person.
In addition, a blood test may be recommended to check whether the amount of IgE is high, which is a sign of allergy, and an allergy test to identify what the individual is allergic to. See how the allergy test is done.
If you are interested, make an appointment with the nearest otorhinolaryngologist, using the tool below, to investigate the cause of the rhinitis:
The diagnosis can be made from the age of 5, as before this age group the results may be incorrect. Therefore, if you suspect that your child is suffering from allergic rhinitis, what you should do is try to identify what they are allergic to and take the necessary precautions.
Possible causes
The main factors that can cause rhinitis are:
- Allergy to dust mites, dust, mold, pollen or animal hair, saliva or urine;
- Climate changes;
- Strong odors, such as perfumes or cleaning products;
- Cigarette smoke;
- Spicy foods;
- Diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux and asthma;
- Alcoholism;
- Nose injuries.
Furthermore, rhinitis can also be caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the airways or the use of medications, such as nasal decongestants, antihypertensives or antidepressants, for example.
Another cause of rhinitis is hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, menstruation or due to the use of contraceptives.
Types of rhinitis
Rhinitis can be classified into several types according to the cause, the main ones being:
1. Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of rhinitis and its main symptom is a runny nose, with the secretion being little and transparent, but constant or frequent.
This type of rhinitis is mainly caused by contact with allergenic substances, such as dust mites, mold or pollen, for example, which triggers the release of histamine in the body, responsible for the symptoms.
2. Chronic rhinitis
If the symptoms of allergic rhinitis persist for more than 3 months, it can be said that allergic rhinitis has evolved into chronic rhinitis. Check out the symptoms and treatment for chronic rhinitis.
3. Vasomotor rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by changes in the individual’s own nose, and is not caused by allergies. In this type of rhinitis, the person always has a runny nose, but allergy tests are always negative.
In this case, excess nasal secretion is caused by excessive dilation of the blood and lymphatic vessels present in the inner part of the nose and, sometimes, the best treatment is surgery. Understand what vasomotor rhinitis is and how to treat it.
4. Medicinal rhinitis
It happens when a person self-medicates, that is, they decide to use medications without proper medical advice.
This is the case with the use of nasal decongestants, which are used by many people but can cause irritation to the nasal mucosa when used frequently.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for rhinitis must be carried out under the guidance of an otorhinolaryngologist, allergist or general practitioner and varies according to its cause.
The main treatments for rhinitis are:
1. Avoid contact with allergenic substances
Avoiding contact with allergenic substances helps treat and prevent allergic rhinitis.
Therefore, the doctor may recommend keeping the environment always clean, cleaning the floor with a damp cloth to avoid raising dust, avoiding carpets, curtains and stuffed animals in the bedroom, and keeping the house airy.
In addition, it may be recommended to avoid animals indoors or avoid their contact with the bed, so that they do not accumulate hair, which also causes allergies and is food for dust mites.
Read too: 7 natural ways to combat allergic rhinitis
2. Wash your nose
Nasal washing with 0.9% saline helps eliminate excess secretions from the nostrils, as it makes the phlegm more liquid, making it easier to eliminate, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of a blocked nose.
Read too: How to unblock your nose: 11 natural and effective ways
Another option that the doctor may recommend is the use of 0.9% sodium chloride saline solution, which can be found in the form of drops or nasal spray, as it also helps with nasal hygiene, helping to eliminate irritating substances and allergens.
Watch the video with nurse Manuel Reis on how to wash your nose correctly:
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3. Using medicine
The use of rhinitis medications may be recommended by your doctor to help alleviate rhinitis symptoms, such as a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes or nose, constant sneezing or watery eyes.
The main medications that may be indicated are corticosteroids, such as budesonide or beclomethasone, in the form of a nasal spray, or antihistamines, such as loratadine or hydroxyzine, taken orally, for example.
Other medications are montelukast or zafirlukast, but they are not as effective as nasal corticosteroids, and therefore are generally indicated in severe or refractory cases, generally associated with other medications.
Furthermore, if rhinitis was caused by the use of nasal decongestants, the doctor should recommend stopping their use.
Read too: 6 home remedies for rhinitis
4. Immunotherapy
Another form of treatment is the vaccine for allergic rhinitis, which is called desensitizing immunotherapy, but this is only recommended when prevention measures and medications have no effect.
5. Botulinum toxin injection
Botulinum toxin type A injection may be recommended by your doctor for the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis.
This injection is applied by the doctor to the lower and middle nasal turbinates, which helps to reduce the sensation of a runny nose for up to 4 weeks, although reapplication may be necessary.
6. Surgery
Surgery for vasomotor rhinitis may be recommended by the doctor to reduce the inferior nasal turbinate, which is a sheet of bone, or interrupt the vidian nerve.
This surgery improves the symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose, and can also be associated with treatment with nasal corticosteroids.
