Rhinitis

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose, which may be caused by allergies or other factors such as cigarette smoke, changes in temperature, exercise and stress.

• An allergy is a reaction by the body which happens in some people who are sensitive to chemical substances from various things present in the environment.
  
  
• Allergic rhinitis is characterised by an itchy/runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Other allergic symptoms include tickly throat, problems with ears feeling blocked up, red/watery eyes, cough, fatigue/loss of concentration/lack of energy from loss of sleep, and headaches or facial tenderness.

How do you get Rhinitis?

There are different types of rhinitis:

1. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hayfever) is usually caused by pollen in the air from plants, grasses or trees. Sensitive patients have symptoms during times of peak pollen levels during the year.
   
   
2. Perennial allergic rhinitis, a type of chronic rhinitis, is a year-round problem. It is often caused by indoor allergens (things which stimulate an allergic reaction), such as dust and animal dander.
   
   
3. Non-allergic rhinitis (also called vasomotor rhinitis) occurs in those patients in whom an allergic cause cannot be identified. Vasomotor rhinitis is thought to occur because of abnormal regulation of nasal blood flow.

How serious is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is not serious but it can lead to much discomfort and inconvenience for many people. Some people with rhinitis may start to develop symptoms of asthma which then needs careful management with other types of medicines.

How long does Rhinitis last?

This depends on the type of rhinitis. It may occur only at certain times of the year as with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever) or may be present most of the time throughout the year if it is perennial allergic rhinitis.

How is Rhinitis treated?

Rhinitis can be treated using medicines that prevent or reduce the allergic response in the nose.

• Medicines called antihistamines block the action of histamine. This is a chemical released by parts of the body in response to allergens to cause inflammation. Histamine is responsible for many allergic reactions and symptoms such as stuffiness, running nose and the nasal irritation that you can feel.
  
  
• Other medicines called anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroids (of the type called glucocorticosteroids) are also often used and some can be sniffed and inhaled into the nose using a special applicator device called an insufflator.

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