Call Us At

Rhinitis

What Is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal lining, which can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and runny nose. Rhinitis is generally categorised into two types: allergic and non-allergic.

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common condition triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, moulds, or pet dander. When exposed, the body's immune system releases histamines, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion.

Non-allergic rhinitis shares these symptoms but its triggers lack an immune or allergic component. They include weather changes, certain smells, spicy foods, exercise, medications, or other irritants.

What Are the Different Stages of Rhinitis?

Rhinitis can be classified into different stages based on the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms. These stages include:

Intermittent Rhinitis - Symptoms occur less than four days per week or for less than four weeks per year. Often triggered by seasonal allergens like pollen or brief exposure to specific allergens.
Persistent Rhinitis - Symptoms occur more than four days per week and last for more than four consecutive weeks. This is often related to chronic exposure to allergens like dust mites or pet dander.
Mild Rhinitis - Symptoms are present but do not interfere with daily activities, work, or sleep. The condition is manageable and does not significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Moderate-to-Severe Rhinitis - These cases often require more intensive management and treatment. The symptoms are more intense and can disrupt daily life.

What Are Common Symptoms of Rhinitis?

Common symptoms of rhinitis include: sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itching (nose, eyes, throat), post-nasal drip, sore throat, headache, as well as red, itchy, swollen or watery eyes.

What Are the Causes of Rhinitis?

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system reacts to specific allergens such as:

Pollen - From trees, grasses, and weeds, particularly during specific seasons (hay fever).
Dust Mites - Tiny insects that thrive in household dust.
Animal Dander - Proteins found in pets' skin flakes, urine, and saliva.
Mould Spores - Fungi that can grow indoors or outdoors, especially in damp areas.
Cockroach Droppings - Common in urban environments where cockroaches are prevalent.

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis does not involve an immune response but can be triggered by irritants such as:

Environmental Irritants - Including cigarette smoke, strong odours (e.g., perfumes), air pollutants, and chemical fumes.
Weather Changes - Fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
Infections - Viral infections like colds or the flu.
Foods - Certain spicy foods and alcohol that can trigger nasal congestion.
Medications - Certain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and beta blockers.
Hormonal Changes - Hormonal fluctuations from pregnancy, puberty, or hormone replacement therapy.

How is Rhinitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose rhinitis, a doctor may perform any of the following tests:

Physical Exam - The doctor will examine the nasal passages, throat, and ears to check for signs of inflammation, congestion, or other abnormalities. They may also ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Nasoendoscopy - In this test, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nasal passages to get a detailed view of the nasal cavity and sinuses. This allows the doctor to check for blockages, polyps, or infections.
Blood Test - A blood test may be conducted to measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which are elevated in allergic reactions. This helps determine if an allergy has caused your symptoms.
Skin Prick Test - In this test, small amounts of common allergens are applied to your skin via tiny pricks. If you are allergic, a small raised bump or reaction will occur at the test site, indicating which allergens may trigger your symptoms.

What Are the Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis?

Depending on severity, rhinitis treatment can include lifestyle changes (avoidance of triggers), medications or immunotherapy:

Medications

Rhinitis specialists may prescribe medications to manage symptoms, such as:

Antihistamines - These medications block the effects of histamine, a substance released during an allergic reaction. They can be taken orally or in the form of nasal sprays.
Corticosteroids - These are anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce swelling and inflammation caused by allergies.
Decongestants - These medications help shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, relieving congestion.

Immunotherapy

If medications do not relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This involves exposing your body to small amounts of allergens over time, gradually building up your tolerance and reducing your allergic reaction. This includes:

Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy) - This treatment involves gradually introducing small amounts of allergens through injections. It helps the immune system build tolerance over time, potentially providing long-term relief even after treatment is stopped.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) - Allergen tablets are placed under the tongue. SLIT is typically used for specific allergens like grass or ragweed pollen and is safer than shots but may be less effective for severe cases.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) - This treatment involves a series of injections over several months, followed by maintenance doses every few weeks for 3–5 years. It is effective for various allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

Possible Complications of Rhinitis

Rhinitis, if left untreated or poorly managed, may lead to complications such as:

Sinusitis - Prolonged inflammation of the nasal passages can block the sinuses, leading to sinus infections (sinusitis).
Ear Infections - The congestion from rhinitis can block the Eustachian tubes, leading to middle ear infections (otitis media), particularly in children.
Nasal Polyps - Chronic inflammation can result in the formation of soft, painless growths (polyps) inside the nasal passages or sinuses, causing further congestion.
Sleep Disturbances - Symptoms like nasal congestion can interfere with sleep, causing snoring, sleep apnoea, or poor-quality sleep, which can lead to fatigue and decreased daily function.
Asthma Exacerbation - Untreated allergic rhinitis can worsen asthma symptoms in people with asthma, causing increased wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Decreased Quality of Life - Persistent symptoms like congestion, headaches, and fatigue can significantly affect daily activities, work, school performance, and overall well-being.

FAQs About Rhinitis

While rhinitis can often be managed effectively, it is rarely cured in a permanent sense. For allergic rhinitis, treatments like immunotherapy may provide long-term relief by desensitising the immune system to allergens. Non-allergic rhinitis can be controlled through lifestyle adjustments, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.

Rhinitis in itself (whether it is allergic or non-allergic) is not contagious. However, if the rhinitis resulted from an infectious cause such as a cold, that infection can be spread to others.

If over-the-counter medications fail to alleviate your rhinitis symptoms, or your quality of life has been significantly affected, please seek medical attention from an ENT specialist.

Contact Information