How to relieve chronic rhinitis

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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.

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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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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.)

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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 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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of chronic rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis is caused by recurrent acute rhinitis or prolonged unresolved nasal symptoms. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion, which alternates in severity; the congestion is usually less during physical activity during the day and more severe when resting at night. Additionally, the nasal cavity may produce mucous secretions, and when accompanied by bacterial infection, yellow secretions may appear. Patients may also experience headaches, dry mouth, and decreased memory among other related symptoms. During examination, congested and swollen nasal turbinates on both sides are evident, and the effectiveness of ephedrine in causing constriction is good. In treatment, patients can initially use nebulized inhalation to constrict the nasal turbinates and reduce nasal congestion. Regular physical exercise is also needed to restore the function of the nasal mucosa, leading to gradual improvement. If conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical removal may be required for recovery. (Medication use must be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)