How to distinguish between rhinitis and a cold

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 22, 2024
00:00
00:00

The distinction between rhinitis and a cold primarily hinges on the following aspects: first and foremost, the specific onset time of the illness. Colds generally occur suddenly and last for a relatively short duration, about a week; whereas the duration of rhinitis may be longer, and some individuals might even experience chronic rhinitis, meaning the onset duration for rhinitis is relatively longer. The second aspect is the symptoms. Cold symptoms may include nasal congestion and a runny nose, but most patients will also exhibit other uncomfortable symptoms, such as sore throat, body aches, or fever. In the case of rhinitis, the primary symptoms are usually nasal, such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, and generally, there are rarely any whole-body symptoms. The third method is through an examination of the nasal cavity, which is primarily based on the doctor's experiential judgment. These three aspects essentially allow for the differentiation between rhinitis and a cold.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
1min 3sec home-news-image

How to distinguish between rhinitis and a cold

The distinction between rhinitis and a cold primarily hinges on the following aspects: first and foremost, the specific onset time of the illness. Colds generally occur suddenly and last for a relatively short duration, about a week; whereas the duration of rhinitis may be longer, and some individuals might even experience chronic rhinitis, meaning the onset duration for rhinitis is relatively longer. The second aspect is the symptoms. Cold symptoms may include nasal congestion and a runny nose, but most patients will also exhibit other uncomfortable symptoms, such as sore throat, body aches, or fever. In the case of rhinitis, the primary symptoms are usually nasal, such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, and generally, there are rarely any whole-body symptoms. The third method is through an examination of the nasal cavity, which is primarily based on the doctor's experiential judgment. These three aspects essentially allow for the differentiation between rhinitis and a cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
46sec home-news-image

How to treat symptoms of rhinitis

Rhinitis is a common and general disease with symptoms that may include a runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, and in severe cases, olfactory disturbances. For treatment, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, one can take heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese patent medicines, cephalosporin and macrolide antibiotics, as well as corticosteroid nasal sprays. If necessary, antihistamine medications can also be added. It is important to avoid colds, staying up late, smoking, and drinking alcohol. If symptoms do not significantly improve after treatment, it is advised to visit a hospital for timely treatment to avoid delaying the condition. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 1sec home-news-image

How many types of chronic rhinitis are there?

Chronic rhinitis can be clinically divided into chronic simple rhinitis, chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, and chronic allergic rhinitis, which are the most common types seen in clinical practice. Chronic simple rhinitis is often seen in children and generally occurs due to repeated acute rhinitis attacks or prolonged unresolved symptoms. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis results from repeated simple rhinitis, causing bilateral turbinate mucosal diffuse congestion and hyperplasia with poor shrinkage effects. Chronic allergic rhinitis is caused by inhalation of certain allergens into the nasal cavity due to weakened immunity and resistance, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. In terms of treatment, simple rhinitis can be effectively managed with medication. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis may require partial turbinectomy of both sides for cure, while allergic rhinitis can be gradually improved by enhancing immunity and resistance.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 15sec home-news-image

Can rhinitis cause yellow nasal discharge?

Rhinits can cause the discharge of yellow nasal mucus. Rhinits is due to the symptoms in the nasal cavity and overall body caused by bacterial or viral infections when the body's immunity and resistance are low. The patient may experience sudden high fever, with body temperatures above 38.5 degrees Celsius, bilateral nasal congestion that alternates, and yellow purulent discharge from the nasal passages. Upon examination, significant congestion of the bilateral inferior turbinates can be detected, and yellow purulent discharge adhering inside the nasal cavity can be found. In terms of treatment, patients first need to undergo a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, bacterial infection should be considered, and oral antibiotics should be administered. If there is an increase in lymphocytes, a viral infection should be considered, and antiviral medications should be taken orally. Additionally, patients should adhere to a light diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, and rest well for gradual recovery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
59sec home-news-image

How to relieve chronic rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis mainly refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa and submucosa, which may be related to allergic states, bacterial infections, viral infections, and environmental factors, as well as the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. Traditional Chinese medicine considers this a manifestation of excessive heat or internal heat. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid catching a cold, smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and consuming spicy or stimulating food. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are cooling and slightly bitter may help. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, the use of antihistamines and traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying can be beneficial. Applying glucocorticoid nasal sprays may also help. Generally, such treatments can alleviate or cure the condition.