How to distinguish between rhinitis and a cold

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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.

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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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Chronic rhinitis headache symptoms

Chronic rhinitis is a relatively common clinical disease with various symptoms. Some patients may experience headaches, which are mainly caused by inflammatory reactions. It could also be due to poor ventilation in the nasal cavity, leading to headaches. Generally, it is accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, dizziness, and there might also be bloody nasal discharge or nasal drip. Therefore, upon noticing these symptoms, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) for relevant diagnostic tests to clarify the specific condition. Most patients can choose oral medications or nasal sprays for treatment and require regular follow-up to observe the effects. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can people with chronic rhinitis smoke?

It is advised not to smoke for chronic rhinitis, as smoking can be irritating to the nasal mucosa, inferior nasal concha, and other structures in the nasal cavity. This is because cigarettes contain a lot of irritating substances that can directly stimulate the nasal mucosa. It can easily trigger an attack of rhinitis or exacerbate existing inflammation, hence smoking is not recommended. It is also suggested to avoid alcohol, keep the nose moist, avoid contact with irritants, and consider using physiological seawater or saline to rinse the nasal cavity. Additionally, treatments can include oral traditional Chinese medicine and nasal spray medications. Generally, it is a common disease that can be effectively controlled and managed with standard treatment. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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What anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for rhinitis?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Currently, nasal mucosa inflammation can be acute, chronic, allergic, or atrophic. These inflammations require appropriate treatment, but do not require the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as current anti-inflammatory drugs mainly refer to antibiotics, which are not necessary for these types of rhinitis. Clinically, some nasal spray medications are primarily used, such as some corticosteroid hormones, which have anti-inflammatory effects; saline solutions with high osmolarity can also be used to cleanse and rinse the nasal cavity. Oral medications can include some traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as Biyan Tongqiao granules and Xiangju tablets, etc. For allergic rhinitis, some antiallergic drugs such as loratadine can be used for antiallergic treatment. In summary, there is no need to use antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs. (Please use medicine under the guidance of a doctor to avoid indiscriminate use.)

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Can chronic rhinitis be cured?

Chronic rhinitis primarily focuses on controlling the condition and relieving symptoms. Current treatment methods mainly involve medication, generally using oral drugs and nasal sprays to improve nasal symptoms. Additionally, physiological saline can be used to rinse the nasal cavity. Overall, most cases can be effectively controlled and alleviated through medication. If the nasal turbinates are particularly enlarged and conservative medical treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment can be considered. However, both medication and surgery mainly aim at control rather than cure. With the existing medical approaches, it is challenging to completely cure chronic rhinitis. Generally, it is considered a common and not particularly severe condition.