Rhinitis At A Glance

• The nose produces a thin and clear fluid called mucus. This fluid traps dust and other allergens and irritants that may enter the nose and protects the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system. The nose can become irritated from the bacteria and viruses found in dust particles, and react by producing more mucus, which then turns thick and pale yellow in color. This inflamed condition of the nasal lining is called rhinitis.
  
  

Allergies

• The most common cause of rhinitis is allergens. The term is broad and can refer to any substance that may cause an allergic reaction. The body responds to such irritating substances by releasing histamine, which in turn causes sneezing, itching and watery eyes. People with allergies are more susceptible to rhinitis because of the lower tolerance for irritants. Chronic allergic rhinitis is sometimes called hay fever. For others, the condition can be perennial, existing throughout the year because of allergens that are constantly present in the immediate surroundings such as dust mites, smoke, mold or animal hair. And for others the condition may be seasonal such as during spring, when pollen is more present in the air.
  
  

Common Cold

• There are several hundred strains of the cold virus and each one takes up residence in the mucous membranes of the nasal and sinus cavities. Thus, the common cold will most often cause inflammation of the nasal lining. This type of rhinitis is often recurring and is called infectious rhinitis. Since the body can also react by releasing histamine, the symptoms can be very similar to that of allergic rhinitis. So it is not always easy to differentiate if the cause of the condition is allergen or the cold virus.
  
  

Vasomotor Rhinitis

• This particular type of rhinitis is also called non-allergenic rhinitis. Although the symptoms are quite similar to allergic rhinitis the cause is quite different. In this instance the inflammation of the nasal lining is brought about by the presence of oversensitive blood vessels. These blood vessels are controlled by the autonomic nervous system and their dilation and contraction regulates the production of mucus. Changes in weather and temperature, chemical irritants such as perfumes or aerosol, some types of medications, hormonal changes and even emotional and psychological stress can all cause these oversensitive blood vessels to overreact. Pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma can also trigger these blood vessels to produce too much mucus.
  
  

Decongestants

• Topical decongestants are quick-acting medication directly applied to the nose, commonly known as nasal sprays. They act by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal lining, thus reducing mucus production and providing fast relief. Such types of medication should only be used for a maximum of three consecutive days as overuse can cause rebound congestion. Medicamentosa rhinitis occurs when the blood vessels react unfavorably to the artificial regulation enforced by medication. This situation can easily become a vicious cycle if nasal spray is overused, and the individual experiences rebound congestion, and then tries to relieve it by using more nasal spray, thus worsening the condition.