Rhinitis Treatment of rhinitis

Rhinitis

    * Introduction
    * Treatment of rhinitis
Rhinitis is the inflammation of nasal and sinus congestion translates accompanied by rhinorrhea (runny) and sometimes facial pain.
Rhinitis may be acute or chronic. Acute rhinitis generally occurs as a result of viral infections, but may be the result of allergies. Chronic rhinitis is often accompanied by chronic sinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis).

Viral rhinitis

Acute viral rhinitis (common cold) can be caused by a variety of viruses. Symptoms consist of rhinorrhea (runny nose), congestion, cough and mild fever. Congestion can be treated with nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine or orally. These nasal decongestant narrowing (constricting) blood vessels of the nasal mucosa. Nasal sprays should not be used more than 3-4 days because they become ineffective and can cause rebound congestion. Antihistamines are indicated for reducing nasal secretions, but the cause drowsiness and other side effects, especially in the elderly.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune system reaction against a foreign substance (allergen), harmless to most of the population. The main allergens are house dust mites, molds, pollen, animal dander and feathers. Symptoms consist of sneezing, runny nose, congestion, nasal pruritus (itching), watery and red eyes. Often, the patient has a family history of allergies. Avoiding substances that trigger allergies prevents symptoms but is not always possible. Corticosteroids nasal sprays reduce nasal inflammation caused by many allergens and can be used long term. Antihistamines prevent the allergic reaction and thus symptoms. Antihistamines dry up nasal mucosa and cause drowsiness and other side effects, especially in the elderly. Injection of allergenic substances (desensitization therapy) contribute to the acquisition of long-term tolerance to environmental allergens, but require several months or even years to become fully effective. antibiotics reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Atrophic Rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis is a form of chronic rhinitis in the nasal mucosa atrophy, dilation and causing dry nasal passages. Cells normally found in nasal mucosa - shows that secrete mucus and cilia, which removes particles by ante-posterior movements - are replaced by cells normally found in skin. The condition can occur in people who have sinus surgery, in which part of intranasal structures and the mucous membranes were removed. A prolonged bacterial infection of the nasal passages may also be a factor. Inside the nose is formed greenish crusts, repulsive odor. The patient may suffer severe and recurrent nosebleeds and lose sense of smell (anosmia). Treatment aims to reduce the crusts, eliminate odors and reduce infection. Topical antibiotics (applied inside the nose) destroy bacteria. Estrogens and vitamins A and D may reduce the crusts, by stimulating mucous secretion. Surgery may reduce the narrowing of the nasal passages crusts, avoiding drying of the nasal mucosa.
Vasomotor rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis is a form of chronic rhinitis. Nasal congestion, sneezing and rhinorrhea - common symptoms of allergies - occur in patients who have an allergy can not be identified. The cause of vasomotor rhinitis is considered to be poor regulation of blood flow to the nose, which can be induced by temperature variations. In some people, inflammation of the lining is due to irritants (dust and pollen), perfumes and pollution. The condition is aggravated by dry air. Sometimes it is accompanied by inflammation of the sinuses, requiring the performance of endoscopy or CT scan of the sinuses. If inflammation is severe sinus, treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms. Avoiding smoke and irritants and using a humidifier can be beneficial.