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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis is generally caused by the prolongation of acute rhinitis or recurrent attacks, resulting in nasal symptoms. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion, which alternates, being less severe during physical activity in the daytime and more severe at night when quiet. Additionally, mucous-like discharge can occur in the nasal cavity. When accompanied by bacterial infection, yellow or green discharge may appear. During examination, patients may find significant congestion and edema on the middle and inferior turbinates, and abnormal secretions adhering to the middle nasal meatus or common nasal channel. In treatment, chronic rhinitis can initially be managed with nebulized inhalation to alleviate congestion and edema of the turbinates. Concurrently, exercising can enhance immunity and resistance, restore the function of the nasal mucosa, and subsequently lead to recovery from chronic rhinitis.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to prevent seasonal rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis with seasonal outbreaks, requires the identification of specific allergens for its prevention. This type of rhinitis is caused by allergies to seasonal factors, so it is necessary to visit an allergen testing center at an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department of a hospital to determine the specific allergens. Then, prior to the season, preventative measures can be taken to avoid contact with these allergens. Medications can be started one or two weeks in advance to alleviate the symptoms of rhinitis. Common medications include anti-allergy nasal steroids and other anti-allergy drugs such as antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists. Nasal steroids are typically administered via nasal spray once or twice a day, and during the prevention period, it can be sprayed once a day.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can chronic rhinitis be cured completely?

Chronic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, and there are many treatment methods available at present. However, existing medical measures mainly focus on controlling symptoms and alleviating the condition, and it is very difficult to achieve a complete cure. Most patients undergo treatment with oral medications and nasal sprays, after which symptoms generally tend to reduce and the degree of inflammatory response also declines. Nonetheless, a complete cure is still elusive; the main goal is to reduce the frequency of acute attacks of chronic rhinitis, relieve clinical symptoms, and prevent significant impact on daily life. Overall, it is considered a common chronic disease that does not pose a significant threat to overall health. (Please consult a professional physician for medication guidance and avoid self-medicating.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Chronic rhinitis symptoms

Chronic rhinitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease with various clinical symptoms and individual differences. The common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, dizziness, and some patients may also experience a decline in memory. Generally, the symptoms of chronic rhinitis are not particularly severe, and the harm to physical health is not particularly significant. For diagnosis, nasopharyngoscopy and sinus CT can be performed to assess the specific severity of the condition. In terms of treatment, it generally involves oral medications and nasal sprays, and regular follow-ups are needed to monitor the recovery process.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which is more serious, chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis primarily involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa, submucosal tissues, nasal conchae, tympanic membrane, and even the bones. Allergic disease mainly involves allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There is no clear distinction in severity between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. If chronic rhinitis tends towards an atrophic progression, then it is relatively serious. Allergic rhinitis, with its recurrent episodes, causes allergic cough and allergic asthma, which also signifies a relatively serious condition. Therefore, both chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis require active treatment, rather than distinguishing which one is more severe or which condition is milder. All issues should be actively treated.