The difference between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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The differences between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis are quite significant. Firstly, we need to consider the causes of the diseases. Allergic rhinitis is mainly caused by the body's own immune response, primarily due to allergens the body encounters externally, which trigger this immune response. Chronic rhinitis, on the other hand, is primarily associated with local inflammation of the nasal mucosa and turbinates, and generally, it is not directly related to the body's own immune system. Another difference lies in the symptoms. The main symptoms of chronic rhinitis include nasal congestion and runny nose, with some patients possibly experiencing headaches or dizziness. In contrast, symptoms of allergic rhinitis mainly include itchy nose, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge, with some patients possibly experiencing nasal congestion. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist, allowing an experienced doctor to make a diagnosis, supplemented by additional diagnostic tests.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Causes of Seasonal Rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis, is considered an autoimmune disease, and its onset may be related to genetic factors. If direct relatives have allergic rhinitis, the likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis is relatively higher. Some patients are also related to environmental factors, such as frequent exposure to dust, pollen, and seafood, which also increases the likelihood of triggering allergic rhinitis. Clinical symptoms are numerous, with common ones including repeated itchy nose, runny clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. In terms of treatment, oral medications and nasal spray medications for anti-allergy treatment are commonly used, and regular follow-ups are needed to observe the effects. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Chronic Rhinitis

The causes of chronic rhinitis are quite complex and not due to a single factor. It often arises from multiple factors after prolonged and repeated acute attacks, leading to chronic inflammatory changes. These changes primarily affect the nasal mucosa, with the most common causes including: First, prolonged and repeated bouts of acute rhinitis that are not thoroughly treated can lead to chronic rhinitis. This also includes some chronic diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses, such as congenital deviation of the nasal septum, meaning the middle part of the nose is crooked, which disrupts drainage and airflow in the nasal cavity. Thus, when there is an acute inflammation, the secretions cannot be drained timely, eventually causing chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Second, inflammation of nearby tissues and organs can lead to chronic rhinitis, such as chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hyperplasia during childhood. These chronic inflammations can cause secretions in the nasopharyngeal area to irritate and contribute to the chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, impacting each other. Third, occupational and environmental factors play a role. The living and working environment, along with lifestyle habits, greatly influence the incidence of chronic rhinitis. People who frequently smoke or drink alcohol are more susceptible to this condition. Additionally, if the work or living environment is polluted, dirty, dusty, or exposed to other harmful gases or chemicals, it may also lead to chronic rhinitis. Therefore, the formation of chronic rhinitis involves multifaceted and multiple causes, and the specific reasons should be analyzed based on different patients.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Does cold medicine treat rhinitis?

Colds are mainly caused by the infection of our upper respiratory tract by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, etc. Rhinitis is usually related to infections, and a cold can trigger rhinitis. However, other factors, such as allergies or temperature changes, can also produce symptoms similar to a cold. Therefore, cold medicines often contain medications for treating rhinitis, so some patients experiencing rhinitis may find cold medicines to be effective. However, besides containing rhinitis medications, cold medicines also include fever reducers and vasoconstrictive cough suppressants. Thus, to treat rhinitis, it is still better to use proper rhinitis medications instead of substituting them with cold medicines. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor to avoid self-medication.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can rhinitis cause coughing?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, which can cause coughing. The rhinitis-induced cough primarily involves two aspects. One is allergic rhinitis, which can lead to allergic pharyngitis, resulting in symptoms of coughing. According to the medical approach to allergic pathophysiological reactions, this is considered 'one airway, one disease,' where the allergic condition starts from the nose and develops into an allergy in the throat. Another situation involves the abundant secretions in rhinitis. These secretions flow back to the nasopharyngeal area and then irritate the throat, which can cause coughing. Therefore, overall, rhinitis can lead to coughing, and it should be managed and treated according to its different causes.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic rhinitis serious?

Chronic rhinitis is very serious and can cause diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the bilateral inferior turbinate mucosa in patients, leading to persistent bilateral nasal congestion. The condition progressively worsens, and the nasal cavity will also have mucous secretions. Prolonged hypoxia in patients can lead to dizziness, headaches, a decrease in the sense of smell, memory decline, and in severe cases, depression and irritability among other clinical symptoms. When examined with an electronic nasal endoscope, the surface of the bilateral turbinate mucosa may show mulberry-like changes, and the effect of vasoconstrictors is poor. In treating chronic rhinitis, conservative treatment can be adopted first, and nebulized inhalation treatment is effective. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective, bilateral partial inferior turbinate resection may be needed. After surgery, patients need to exercise and boost their immunity to avoid recurrent episodes.