Chronic rhinitis is the severe form of allergic rhinitis, in which there is inflammation of the nasal passages which is often manifested through intense allergic crises for more than 3 consecutive months.
This disease is usually caused by a continuous exposure to some allergen or by an anatomical alteration of the nasal region that generates vasomotor rhinitis. The most common symptom of chronic rhinitis is runny nose and runny nose, as well as repeated sneezing and stuffy nose.
Treatment can be done by means of an allergy vaccine, antihistamine medicines such as loratadine, or surgery for nose correction, especially when it comes to chronic rhinitis with nasal turbinate hypertrophy.
Main symptoms
In crises of chronic rhinitis the most common symptom is frequent sneezing, but other symptoms may be:
- Dry cough;
- Successive sneezes;
- Coriza;
- Stuffy nose;
- Red, watery, swollen eyes;
- Itchy nose;
- Itching in the throat and the roof of the mouth;
- Decreased hearing and smell;
- Irritability in the nose;
- Loss of taste;
- Nosebleed voice;
- Headache.
Nasal irritations that occur due to chronic rhinitis may become more severe and cause permanent nasal obstruction. To relieve symptoms, it may be worthwhile to wash your nose with 0.9% saline to cleanse the upper airways and reduce nasal irritations. Learn how to do the nasal lavage the right way.
Causes of chronic rhinitis
The causes of chronic rhinitis are the most varied, but are usually related to:
- Cigarette;
- Pollution;
- Hair;
- Dust;
- Pollen;
- Anatomical alterations of the oropharyngeal region.
Allergic rhinitis may also appear as a consequence of some diseases, such as syphilis, tuberculosis and leishmaniasis, which are infections that sensitize the nasal passages.
What treatment?
Treatment for chronic rhinitis should be indicated by an otolaryngologist or allergist and is based on the use of nasal decongestants, antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine and desloratadine, and nasal lavage solutions that are sold freely in pharmacies. Here are some home remedies for rhinitis.
Nasal lavage with saline solution at least twice a day helps relieve the symptoms of chronic rhinitis. In the case of permanent nasal obstructions, the most indicated treatment is surgery. If they do not improve, it is important to go back to the doctor so that another treatment strategy can be done. Learn more about treating chronic rhinitis.
Does chronic rhinitis have a cure?
Chronic rhinitis has no cure but has control. The first way to control rhinitis is by eliminating its causes, which can be dust, for example, and keeping the environment always clean.
The other way of controlling chronic rhinitis is by the doctor. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe some medicine, indicate the immunological desensitization therapy through the vaccine, or suggest surgery to correct any changes that may exist in the nasal passages.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of chronic rhinitis is made through clinical observation of the symptoms and evaluation of the nasal passages by means of a tomography or rhinoscopy, in which signs of irritability, such as redness, swelling or dryness of the mucosa, can be verified.
Prevention of chronic rhinitis
Some simple steps are great ways to prevent chronic rhinitis. The main ones are:
- Keep the house always ventilated and clean;
- Avoid using plush, carpets or curtains as they accumulate dust mites.
- Change the pillowcases and sheets at least once a week.
In addition, it is important to avoid pollution and cigarette smoking, since they can stimulate allergic crises.
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