How to Treat Rhinitis

Rhinitis is the swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose. It is typically triggered by breathing in allergens such as dust mites, pollen, spores, and animal dander. However, rhinitis can also be triggered by changes in your environment, hormonal changes, as well as certain foods and spices. When left untreated, rhinitis can cause both recurring sinus and ear infections.  

Rhinitis Symptoms

Symptoms of rhinitis can often include:

• Runny and stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat, nose, eyes, and ears
• Nosebleeds
• Clear drainage from the nose
• Ear infections

Rhinitis Types

When treating rhinitis, it can be helpful to know what type you are experiencing. The most common form of rhinitis is acute rhinitis, which can be caused by a viral illness. Other types of rhinitis include seasonal rhinitis and non-allergenic, also known as year-round rhinitis.

Who is at Risk?

Allergic rhinitis can occur more often in patients who have asthma, eczema, atopy, or other allergic diseases. In addition, those who have a parental history of allergic rhinitis are usually more at risk. Non-allergic rhinitis can affect both children and adults alike. However, rhinitis commonly affects those aged 20 or older.

How to Prevent Rhinitis

The very best way to prevent rhinitis is to avoid direct contact with allergens. Rhinitis can also be controlled by regularly washing your hands with soap and water and by avoiding touching your face and nose when possible. It is also a good idea to keep your bed linens and pillowcases fresh by washing them often with hot water and detergent. If you have a pet in the home, you should to try and keep them outside the bedroom in order to avoid having pet dander on your bed.

During high pollen and mold seasons, it is optimal to make sure you keep windows closed and use air conditioning as much as possible. Wearing sunglasses and hats when you are outside can also help when trying to avoid allergens. 

Treating your Rhinitis

Treatment for rhinitis can vary depending on the severity of the case. Avoiding irritants and home remedies such as taking a hot shower, regularly changing your air filters, and using cold packs might be enough for more mild cases. However, for more severe cases, treatments can often include:

• Saline nasal sprays 
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Medicine for asthma symptoms

Saline nasal sprays will help flush any allergens inside the nose and thin out any mucus that might be blocking your nasal passages. This can help reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane, effectively treating rhinitis.

Over-the-counter antihistamines can also help reduce swelling in the nose allowing for airflow to pass through easier. Likewise, decongestants will help thin your blood vessels to reduce congestion in the nose.

Using medicines for asthma, such as an inhaler, might also help clear up your rhinitis by opening up the airways in your lungs and nose. If your rhinitis problems persist, you might want to consider a prescription nasal spray or, in some cases, allergy shots. 

Rhinitis due to a deviated septum may be corrected by using a septoplasty to fix the deviation. For non-allergic or neurogenic rhinitis, our Institute offers a variety of solutions:

• Traditional Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Contact Sahasra ENT Clinic

If you or someone you know has issues with rhinitis, Sahasra ENT Clinic can help! Our otolaryngologist Dr Sriharsha Tikka can diagnose and treat any problems you have regarding rhinitis. Please feel free to call us at 98857 45454 at any time