Chronic Rhinitis
PERSISTENT INFLAMMATION
Overview
Chronic rhinitis is a medical condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the nasal passages, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, and sometimes a reduced sense of smell.
This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, as it can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis include:
Nasal Congestion. One of the hallmark symptoms is nasal congestion or stuffiness, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
Runny Nose. Chronic rhinitis often causes a runny or drippy nose, which can lead to frequent nose blowing.
Postnasal Drip. Excess mucus produced in the nasal passages can drip down the back of the throat, leading to a persistent sensation of throat clearing or a cough.
Sneezing. Frequent sneezing is a common symptom, especially when exposed to triggers like allergens or irritants.
Itching. Some individuals with chronic rhinitis may experience itching in the nose, throat, or eyes.
Reduced Sense of Smell (Hyposmia). Chronic rhinitis can affect the sense of smell in some cases.
Causes
Chronic rhinitis can be caused by various factors, leading to persistent inflammation of the nasal passages and troublesome symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis, one of the most common forms, is triggered by immune reactions to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores.
Non-allergic rhinitis, another prevalent type, can manifest without allergic triggers and may result from irritants like smoke, pollution, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, or specific medications.
Furthermore, infections like the common cold can lead to temporary rhinitis symptoms, which, in some instances, can persist beyond the acute infection.
