Table of contents:

1. Allergic rhinitis
2. Non-allergic rhinitis

We can dividerhinitis into allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. The cause of non-allergic rhinitis is usually a viral infection, although it can also be caused by irritation.

Rhinitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute rhinitis is often caused by viral infections, but can also result from allergies, bacteria or other causes. Chronicrhinitis usually occurs in the course of chronic sinusitis(chronic rhinosinusitis).

Allergic rhinitis

It is estimated that between 10% and 30% of the population suffer from allergic rhinitis.

Allergic r hinitis is caused by the reaction of the body's immune system to an environmental factor. The most common factors are dust, mould, pollen, grass, trees and animal dander. Both seasonal and year-round allergies can cause allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms of allergic r hinitis include itching, sneezing, a runny nose, an aftertaste in the mouth and itchy and watery eyes. Headaches, swelling of the eyelids, as well as coughing and snoring may also occur.

Treatment methods for allergic rhinitis:

• Avoiding allergy-causing substances if possible.
• Use of a nasal spray containing corticosteroids (reduces nasal inflammation caused by multiple sources and is relatively safe for long-term use).
• Use of antihistamines (they prevent an allergic reaction and dry the nasal mucosa, but many cause drowsiness and other problems, especially in older people).
• Use of sea water or sea salt solution.

Antibiotics do not relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Non-allergic rhinitis

There are many classifications of non-allergic rhinitis. However, we can divide it into:

• acute viral rhinitis;
• chronic rhinitis;
• hypertrophic rhinitis;
• atrophic rhinitis;
• stinky rhinitis (ozena);
• vasomotor rhinitis.

Acute viral rhinitis

Acute viral rhinitis can be caused by various viruses or even the common cold. The disease is most common during the winter period.

Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing and a sub-febrile state.

Chronic rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis is most often caused by recurrent infections. Symptoms of this type of rhinitis include a runny nose, damage to the mucous membranes, breathing difficulties and, in the worst cases, anosmia, i.e. complete loss of smell.

Hypertrophic rhinitis

Hypertrophic chronic rhinitis is characterised by the formation of polyps of inflammatory origin in the patient's nasal cavity, which are usually located in the middle nasal passage. The only effective treatment for this type of rhinitis is surgical excision of the polyps.

Atrophic rhinitis

In atrophic rhinitis, the mucous membrane is the most vulnerable. The presence of pathogens causes the glands in the nose, both salivary and serous, to stop or secrete very little membrane lubricant. This results in the formation of scabs, the removal of which very often ends in haemorrhage.

Rhinitis, photo: panthermedia

Stinky rhinitis (ozena)

Chronic stinky rhinitis, also called ozena, runs a similar course to atrophic rhinitis. It is distinguished by an unpleasant smell emanating from the nose. This change can lead to complete loss of smell. A good method to alleviate the discomfort is to rinse the nose with a saline solution or preparations available in pharmacies. Nasal drops can also provide relief.

Vasomotor rhinitis

The last non-allergic rhinitis discussed is vasomotoric rhinitis. A correct diagnosis in this type of rhinitis is very difficult because of the symptoms, which can last a few minutes or last longer, that usually accompany allergy (sneezing fits, watery nasal discharge, tearing). Deciding on a correct diagnosis requires a number of investigations, both ENT and allergy-related. Sudden changes in temperature, i.e. cooling or significant overheating of sensitive body parts, particularly the feet and back, may be the cause of recurrent attacks.