Which is more serious, chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 06, 2024
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic rhinitis contagious?

Chronic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. Clinically, it can be divided into simple, hypertrophic, and atrophic types. The treatment generally primarily involves the use of local medications, and typically does not involve the use of antiviral or antibiotic medications. Chronic rhinitis is not contagious. However, it is important to be aware of other conditions that can cause chronic rhinitis, such as tuberculosis-induced rhinitis and syphilitic rhinitis. These are not cases of the rhinitis itself being contagious, but rather the transmission of pathogens, so it cannot be simply stated that chronic rhinitis is contagious. Clinically diagnosed chronic rhinitis is definitively non-contagious.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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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.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Child's rhinitis symptoms

Children's rhinitis is a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, headache, and dizziness. Some patients may also experience snoring and mouth breathing during sleep. For treatment, it is necessary to visit an ENT department to assess the extent of inflammation and type of rhinitis in the nasal cavity. Generally, treatment mainly consists of oral medications and nasal sprays, along with saline nasal irrigation, with a typical treatment period of about one to two weeks. After medication, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the recovery. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Seasonal Rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis, is considered an autoimmune disease, and its onset may be related to genetic factors. If direct relatives have allergic rhinitis, the likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis is relatively higher. Some patients are also related to environmental factors, such as frequent exposure to dust, pollen, and seafood, which also increases the likelihood of triggering allergic rhinitis. Clinical symptoms are numerous, with common ones including repeated itchy nose, runny clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. In terms of treatment, oral medications and nasal spray medications for anti-allergy treatment are commonly used, and regular follow-ups are needed to observe the effects. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)