Types of chronic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that occurs under the influence of allergens. It is manifested by nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing and itching in the nasal cavity. Conjunctivitis and eczema are often associated.
Non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis) can be caused by changes in temperature, humidity, stress, smoking or exposure to irritating substances. This is an exception diagnosis: it is made if allergies and infections are not detected. Symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis: nasal congestion, watery discharge and sneezing.
Atrophic rhinitis is characterized by thinning of the nasal mucosa and the formation of dry crusts. Symptoms: dry nose, unpleasant odor from the nose, crusts and periodic bleeding. Loss of sense of smell is often observed.
Catarrhal rhinitis is manifested by abundant mucous secretions. It may occur due to frequent respiratory infections, exposure to dust or smoke, as well as due to circulatory disorders in the nasal cavity. Symptoms: nasal congestion, mucous discharge and periodic headaches.
Hypertrophic rhinitis is characterized by thickening of the nasal mucosa and tissue overgrowth, which leads to persistent nasal congestion and decreased sense of smell. Symptoms of hypertrophic rhinitis: difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring and headaches. Treatment often requires surgery to remove excess tissue.
Symptoms of chronic rhinitis
Constant nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. Mucus accumulates in the nasal passages, which leads to their narrowing due to an inflamed mucous membrane.
Decreased sense of smell. The ability to sense and recognize odors is significantly reduced.
Frequent sneezing, which occurs due to irritation of the nasal mucosa.
Mucous or purulent discharge from the nose. The discharge can be either transparent and watery, or thick and purulent.
Itching and irritation in the nose.
Headaches, especially in the forehead and around the eyes.
Fatigue, constant feeling of fatigue and decreased performance.
Causes of chronic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis can develop for various reasons. It often occurs due to the fact that the patient has not treated or treated ARVI incorrectly. Decreased immunity and viral inflammation create all the conditions for the occurrence of bacterial inflammation, which can last for months.
Rhinitis may be associated with allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal hair. Rhinitis can also be caused by damage to the nasal mucosa due to exposure to polluted air, tobacco smoke, chemicals and other irritants.
Curvature of the nasal septum, the presence of nasal polyps or hypertrophy of the nasal concha may also contribute to the development of chronic rhinitis. These abnormalities interfere with the normal drainage and ventilation of the nasal passages, which creates favorable conditions for chronic inflammation.
Chronic rhinitis often develops as a result of frequent infectious diseases of the nasopharynx. Genetic predisposition and immune disorders are also
Diagnosis of chronic rhinitis
In the presence of symptoms of chronic rhinitis, patients turn to an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT doctor). The doctor will perform an examination, anterior and posterior rhinoscopy, endoscopy of the nasal cavity to assess the condition of the nasal mucosa, identify possible polyps, as well as curvature of the nasal septum.
Rhinopneumometry can also be performed, a test that measures the air conductivity of the nasal passages. A computed tomography (CT) scan may be prescribed to detect inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.
If there is a suspicion of an infectious origin of rhinitis, a bacteriological analysis (sowing) of a nasal smear is performed. If the allergic nature of rhinitis is suspected, allergy tests are prescribed to help identify specific allergens that cause inflammation.
Based on the results of a comprehensive examination, the doctor will determine what type of rhinitis the patient has and will develop a strategy for the treatment of chronic rhinitis, which may include both conservative methods and surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment of chronic rhinitis is aimed at relieving the symptoms and eliminating the causes of the disease without surgical intervention.
In case of bacterial infection of the nasal cavity, antibiotics are prescribed to help eliminate the causative agent of the disease.
For the treatment of catarrhal and initial hypertrophic rhinitis, short courses of local vasoconstrictors are often used, which help to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa and improve nasal breathing.
In case of atrophic rhinitis, it is important to maintain hydration of the nasal mucosa. Rinsing the nose with isotonic saline solution helps to clear the nasal passages of crusts and moisturize the mucous membrane. Laser physiotherapy is used to stimulate tissue regeneration and improve blood circulation.
Antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which reduce allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing and nasal discharge. It is important to avoid contact with allergens that cause reactions
Surgical treatment of chronic rhinitis
Surgical treatment helps to eliminate the anatomical and structural causes of the disease, improve nasal breathing and reduce symptoms.
Septoplasty is an operation to correct a curved nasal septum. The surgeon removes or corrects the curved areas of the septum, which allows you to restore normal breathing through the nose.
A conchotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the volume of the lower nasal concha, which may be hypertrophied (enlarged) in chronic rhinitis. This improves the patency of the nasal passages and facilitates breathing.
Polypectomy is the removal of nasal polyps that can cause nasal congestion, discharge, and other symptoms of chronic rhinitis.
Cryodestruction is a treatment method in which hypertrophied nasal conch tissues are destroyed by extremely low temperatures. The operation is used for hypertrophic and vasomotor rhinitis.
In Olympus Clinics surgical treatment x
Possible complications of chronic rhinitis
Sinusitis (sinusitis, frontitis, sphenoiditis, ethmoiditis) — the spread of inflammation to the paranasal sinuses. They are accompanied by headaches, soreness in the eye sockets, cheekbones and forehead.
Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. It is manifested by ear pain, hearing loss, feeling of congestion and tinnitus.
Nasal polyposis is the formation of polyps in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Polyps are benign growths of the mucous membrane that can significantly impede nasal breathing, cause congestion and decreased sense of smell.
Snoring and sleep apnea, which lead to sleep disorders, constant fatigue and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chronic pharyngitis and laryngitis — constant breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion can lead to chronic inflammation of the pharynx and larynx.
Ozena (fetid rhinitis) is a complication of atrophic rhinitis characterized by the formation of dry crusts in the nose and the release of an unpleasant odor.
Recommendations for preventing the development of chronic rhinitis
Avoid contact with known allergens and irritants
Maintain optimal indoor air humidity
Carry out regular wet cleaning and ventilation
Use protective masks when working with chemicals
Avoid prolonged use of vasoconstrictive nasal drops
Why do patients choose Olympus Clinics?
Chronic rhinitis requires a careful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Our otorhinolaryngologists are sensitive and experienced doctors who will find the cause of your condition and select the most effective treatment. With us, you will quickly get rid of chronic rhinitis and be able to breathe deeply again!