Rhinitis
What is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis means the inside of your nose is swollen and irritated. This can make your nose run, feel blocked, or make you sneeze. Sometimes, mucus can drip down the back of your throat. Rhinitis can last for a short time or be ongoing. It can be caused by allergies, infections, or things in your environment.
Types of Rhinitis
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1. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
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What is it? : Allergic rhinitis happens when your body reacts to things like pollen, dust, pet hair, or mold. Your immune system treats these things as threats and causes swelling in your nose.
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Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, stuffy nose, mucus in your throat, coughing, and feeling tired.
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Triggers: Pollen, mold, pet hair, dust mites, and other allergens.
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Seasonal vs. Year-round: Some people get symptoms only at certain times of the year (like spring or fall), while others have symptoms all year (often from things inside the home).
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2. Non-Allergic Rhinitis
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What is it? Non-allergic rhinitis is not caused by allergies. It can happen because of irritants, infections, or other reasons. The immune system is not reacting to an allergen.
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Symptoms: Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and mucus in your throat. Usually, you don’t have itchy eyes or a clear link to allergies.
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Causes: Colds or flu, smoke, pollution, strong smells, or chemicals, hormone changes (like during pregnancy or periods), overuse of nasal sprays, weather changes (cold, dry air or sudden temperature changes), or spicy foods or alcohol.
How is Rhinitis Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of rhinitis you have. Dr Fragkiadakis will make a plan that’s right for you.
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For Allergic Rhinitis:
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Antihistamines: Help with sneezing and runny nose
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Nasal steroid sprays: Reduce swelling and stuffiness
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Decongestants: Help with stuffy nose (short-term use only)
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Leukotriene modifiers: Help block allergy chemicals (sometimes used if you also have asthma)
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Avoid allergens: Try to stay away from things that trigger your symptoms
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Allergy shots (immunotherapy): Help your body get used to allergens over time
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For Non-Allergic Rhinitis:
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Nasal steroid sprays: Reduce swelling
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Saline sprays or rinses: Help clear out mucus and irritants
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Decongestants: Help with stuffy nose (short-term use only)
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Avoid irritants: Stay away from things that make your symptoms worse
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Surgery: Occasionally, surgery may be needed to help with symptoms
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How Can I Prevent Rhinitis?
You may not always be able to prevent rhinitis, but you can lower your risk by:
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Avoiding things that trigger your symptoms (like allergens or irritants)
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Washing your hands often
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Keeping the air in your home clean
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Using a humidifier if the air is dry
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Taking allergy medicine if you know you have allergies
For further information, please click the link below
Hay fever
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