RHINITIS

Rhinitis, better known as hay fever, is a condition of inflammation.  The constant swelling of the nose leads to 4 cardinal symptoms of rhinitis: congestion, runny nose (rhinorrhea), post nasal drip and sneezing/itching.  Patients can experience one of these symptoms, all four symptoms, or a combination of the four symptoms in any varying degree.  In addition, your nasal symptoms can be accompanied by ocular (eye) and lower respiratory (asthma-like) symptoms.

In general, there are three main causes of rhinitis: allergic, non-allergic, and infectious.  Rarely, does anyone have a single form of rhinitis.  Patients often present with a mixed picture of allergic, non-allergic and/or infectious rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is due exposure airborne allergens that your nose comes into contact with.  These allergens can either be indoor or outdoor.  Non allergic triggers are not necessarily allergens, but irritants that stimulate the nose.  Irritant exposure, unfortunately, is part of living life in north Texas.  Irritants can be strong odors, rapid changes in weather, heavy fumes, cigarette exposure, and air pollutions.  Unfortunately, these trigger are unpredictable and therefore very difficult to manage.   Infectious rhinitis is typically caused by acute or chronic sinus infections.  An acute sinus infection is often self limited, but can last up to 2-3 weeks and may require a short course of antibiotics.  In contrast a chronic sinus infection, likely starts of as an acute sinus infection that never completely clears.  Therefore, the waxing and waning of your nasal symptoms may be an indicator of chronic sinus disease.

Diagnostic evaluation for rhinitis may involve allergy testing (either by skin test or blood test), x-rays or CT scan of the sinuses and a thorough history.

Treatment for rhinitis is very individualized.  Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that we can prescribe.  It can include nasal steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, leukotriene inhibitors, and environmental control measures.  Our physician will be more that happy to address which medications will best suit you.  In addition medications and environmental avoidance measures, immunotherapy, if indicated, is a very effective way of treating an allergic component of rhinitis.