Chronic rhinitis is a condition that affects a significant number of people, causing bothersome symptoms. Although it is not a dangerous condition, the symptoms are persistent and, as the name suggests, present a duration over time. This basically means that obstacles are constantly being put in the patient’s daily life.
What causes chronic rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis can be divided into allergic and non-allergic, with each form being caused by different factors. Initially, allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune reaction of the body to environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust or animal hair, and so on. People with allergic rhinitis test positive for IgE, and their symptoms are often seasonal or persistent throughout the year, depending on the type of allergens. Non-allergic rhinitis on the other hand is defined as chronic nasal inflammation, not caused by a reaction to an allergen. Although the symptoms are similar to those of allergic rhinitis, allergy tests are negative. This form of rhinitis is divided into several subtypes, such as:
- Vasomotor rhinitis, which is triggered by non-allergic stimuli, such as temperature changes, smoking or stress.
- Infectious rhinitis, which is caused by certain viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract.
- Hormonal rhinitis, due to fiFluctuations in hormone levels especially during pregnancy.
- Medicinal rhinitis, which is caused by long-term use of nasal decongestant sprays.
- Chronic rhinitis caused by the systematic consumption of particularly hot or spicy foods or certain chemicals.
- Atrophic rhinitis, which is characterizedfromgradual atrophy of the nasal mucosa, with dryness as the main symptom.
Symptoms caused by chronic rhinitis
Symptoms of chronic rhinitis can be severe and include:
- Nasal congestion and runny nose.
- Sneezing, usually sudden and frequent.
- Postnasal drip, which is mucus that flows into the back of the throat, causing coughing or discomfort.
- Pain or a feeling of pressure in the areas around the eyes and nose, symptoms which are usually more intense when there are problems involving the paranasal sinuses.
Diagnosis of non-allergic rhinitis
The basic diagnostic process involves ruling out other causes, such as allergies or sinus infections, through tests such as:
- Rhinoscopy and endoscopy to assess the condition of the nasal mucosa and rule out structural abnormalities such as scoliosis of the nasal septum or the presence of nasal polyps.
- CT scan of the sinuses to determine the presence of chronic sinusitis or other anatomical problems.
Therapeutic approaches
Treatment of chronic rhinitis, and especially non-allergic rhinitis, depends on the symptoms and underlying causes. Some of the recommended treatments include:
Nasal corticosteroids, which are the most effective treatment for reducing inflammation and improving nasal obstruction in both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
Decongestants for temporary relief of nasal congestion, however long-term use should be avoided due to the risk of developing rhinitis medicamentosa.
Surgery for chronic rhinitis
In some cases, when conservative measures do not provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. For example:
- Nasal conchae cauterization in case of hypertrophy, an operation which can significantly relieve nasal congestion.
- Septoplasty for the treatment of scoliosis of the nasal septum.
- Removal of Nasal Polyps by Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).
Chronic rhinitis, whether allergic or non-allergic, seriously affects the daily life of patients. Treatment depends on diagnosing the exact causative agent and can range from simple medications to surgery to correct anatomical and functional issues. If chronic rhinitis requires surgical repair, ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou applies the most modern techniques in order to eliminate symptoms and improve the daily life of each patient.