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Rhinitis
What is rhinitis?
Rhinitis
is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose and throat when airborne
irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes
inflammation and fluid production in the fragile linings of nasal
passages, sinuses, and eyelids.
What are the different types of
rhinitis?
The two categories of rhinitis are:
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There are two types of allergic rhinitis:
- seasonal - occurs particularly during
pollen seasons
- perennial - occurs throughout the year
The most-common causes of allergic
rhinitis are:
- pollen
- dust mites
- mold
- animal dander
Reactions from allergic rhinitis include:
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
Preventive measures for avoiding allergic
rhinitis include:
- environmental controls, such as air
conditioning, during pollen season
- avoiding areas where there is heavy
dust, mites, molds
Treatments for allergic rhinitis, as
determined by your physician and based on your condition, may include:
- oral medications
- inhaled medications
- immunotherapy
- allergy injections
Types of nonallergic rhinitis are:
- vasomotor rhinitis (irritant rhinitis)
- neutrophilic rhinosinusitis
- primary vasomotor instability
Causes of nonallergic rhinitis include:
- fumes
- odors
- temperature
- atmospheric changes
- smoke
- other irritants
Reactions from nonallergic rhinitis
include:
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
The preventive measure for avoiding
nonallergic rhinitis is avoiding the primary cause.
Treatments for nonallergic rhinitis, as
determined by your physician and based on your condition, may include:
- oral medications
- inhaled medications
- immunotherapy
- allergy injections
- surgery for some conditions
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