How many types of chronic rhinitis are there?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 11, 2025
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Difference between Allergic Rhinitis and Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis and rhinitis are issues of a specific concept versus a broader concept. Allergic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis caused by a hypersensitivity reaction, which is an allergic response of the body leading to inflammation of the nasal passages. Rhinitis, however, includes allergic rhinitis as well as chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, etc. Thus, it's a matter of differentiating between a more specific and a general concept. Clinically, it is particularly important to differentiate their diagnosis and treatment. For example, the primary treatment for allergic rhinitis is anti-allergy medication, whereas treatments for conditions like chronic and atrophic rhinitis are completely different. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate these accurately in clinical practice to ensure the correct medication is used.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to completely cure seasonal rhinitis?

Seasonal rhinitis is mainly caused by allergic reactions, which are related to the body's exposure to external allergens. It is recommended that individuals seek care from an otorhinolaryngologist after experiencing allergies, to conduct external allergen screening and identify specific allergens. Most patients can only control their condition and alleviate symptoms. If it is a case of a dust mite allergy of grade three or above, desensitization treatment can be considered. After desensitization, some patients may achieve clinical cure, but others might only see improved symptoms without a complete cure. Overall, regular follow-up is necessary to monitor changes in the condition, and contact with allergenic substances should be avoided as much as possible.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic rhinitis contagious?

Chronic rhinitis primarily refers to the chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. Clinically, it is classified into three types based on pathology: simple rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, and atrophic rhinitis. From its classification, it can be seen that chronic rhinitis is not contagious. Clinically, it mainly manifests as nasal congestion, congestion of the nasal mucosa, nasal enlargement, etc. Therefore, it is not contagious. However, it is important to note that chronic rhinitis can sometimes acutely exacerbate under certain special conditions. During an acute exacerbation of chronic rhinitis, the nasal mucosa becomes highly congested, and secretion increases, which may be somewhat contagious under these circumstances. Therefore, analysis should be based on specific conditions. In summary, chronic rhinitis is not contagious.

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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 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.)