Health Information : Acute and Chronic Rhinitis

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What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis refers to the irritation, inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose that is usually caused by viruses, bacteria or seasonal allergy.

What is Acute and Chronic Rhinitis?

Acute Rhinitis:

Acute Rhinitis is often short-lived inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose that is caused by a variety of viruses, usually common cold. It occurs both in children as well as adults. Children may suffer 4-6 episodes whereas adults may suffer 3 episodes of Acute Rhinitisper year.

Symptoms of Acute Rhinitis may include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Postnatal drip
• Cough
• Low-grade fever

Acute Rhinitis can be treated by taking decongestants or antihistamines.

Chronic Rhinitis:

Chronic Rhinitis may end up in permanent thickening of nasal mucosa. It is caused by inflammation or a viral infection. It may rarely occur with diseases, such as syphilis, tuberculosis, rhinoscleroma, rhinosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, blastomycosis and leprosy. It can also occur due to airborne irritants or low humidity.

Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis may include:

• Nasal obstruction
• Crusting
• Bleeding
• Thick, foul smelling pus-filled discharge from nose

Chronic Rhinitis can be treated by identifying and treating the underlying cause. Taking decongestants can help relieve the patient from nasal congestion.