Rhinitis
What is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by a virus infection (e.g., the common cold) or by an allergic reaction (e.g., hay fever).
There are two types of Rhinitis:
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
- Nonallergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
An allergic reaction that mimics a chronic cold. Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis associated with a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, animal dander, or pollen. Symptoms can also occur when you eat a food that you are allergic to.
Symptoms:
- Nasal Congestion
- Runny Nose with a clear mucus
- Sneezing
- Nose and Eyes itching
- Excess tear production in the eyes
Nonallergic Rhinitis
Nonallergic rhinitis involves chronic sneezing or a congested, drippy nose with no apparent cause. The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to those of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but none of the usual evidence of an allergic reaction is present.
Nonallergic rhinitis can affect children and adults, but is more common after age 20. Triggers of nonallergic rhinitis symptoms vary and can include certain odors or irritants in the air, changes in the weather, some medications, certain foods, and chronic health conditions.
Symptoms:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)
- Cough