Rhinitis

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Rhinitis
ICD-10 J00, J30, J31.0
ICD-9 472.0
DiseasesDB 26380
MeSH D012220

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List of terms related to Rhinitis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: runny nose; drippy nose; rhinorrhoea; nasal discharge; nose catarrh; catarrh

Overview

Rhinitis is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose commonly referred to as a runny nose or cararrh. It causes a discharge or mucus blockage caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes.

Historical Perspective

The word "catarrh" comes from the Greek "katarrhein": kata- meaning "down" and rhein meaning "to flow."

Causes

Common Causes

Causes in Alphabetical Order

Natural History, Complications, Prognosis

Rhinitis has also been found to adversely affect more than just the nose, throat, and eyes. It has been associated with sleeping problems, problems with the ears, and even been linked to learning problems.

Catarrh can result in the inability of the Eustachian tube to equalize the pressure on the two sides of the eardrum resulting in pain and damage to the eardrum (barotrauma).

As a result of the inability to equalize the pressure, there can be a buildup of pressure around the eardrum which results in ear pain. As a result, catarrh can result in discomfort with changes in air pressure such as those that accompany:

  • Elevators
  • Airplanes
  • Traveling at elevation

and other activities associated with a change in air pressure.

Even the shallow end of a swimming pool can be problematic to the person with catarrh in so far as barotrauma to the middle ear can occur in as little as 4 feet of water.

Diagnosis

Symptoms

The primary symptom of rhinitis is a runny nose. It is caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose due to viruses, bacteria or irritants. The inflammation results in the generating of excessive amounts of mucus producing a runny nose, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. According to recent studies completed in the United States, more than fifty millon Americans are current sufferers.

Rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine. This increase is likely caused by airborne allergens. These allergens may affect an individual's nose, throat, or eyes and cause an increase in fluid production within these areas.

Classification

There are two types of Rhinitis that the general population may suffer from: allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is considered IgE-mediated when the sufferer is classified as having allergic rhinitis. See also hay fever or seasonal rhinitis or nasopharyngeal rhinitis or the common cold.

Common causes

Some of the most common causes that may bring about the presence of rhinitis include:

Testing for rhinitis

For assessing the possibility of allergies, skin testing, when possible, is the preferred method in comparison with various in vitro tests because it is more sensitive and specific, simpler to use, and less expensive [1] [2]

The typical method of diagnosis and monitoring of allergic rhinitis is skin testing, also known as "scratch testing" and "prick testing" due to the series of pricks and/or scratches made into the patient's skin. Small amounts of suspected allergens and/or their extracts (pollen, grass, mite proteins, peanut extract, etc.) are introduced to sites on the skin marked with pen or dye. The allergens are either injected intradermally or into small scratches made into the patient's skin, often with a small plastic device. Common areas for testing include the inside forearm and the back.

Testing can be either single antigen or multiple antigen testing. Both test the skin for effects of different substances.

Treatment

The management of rhinitis is mainly medical. Treatment for seasonal rhinitis is only needed during the appropriate time of the year. Current treatments include:

  • Antihistamine pills and sprays
  • Leukotriene antagonists
  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays
  • Decongestant pills or sprays
  • Nasal obstruction in perennial rhinitis may be treated by surgery.

See also

References

  1. http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=3978&UID=
  2. Ten, R (1995). "Allergy Skin Testing". Mayo Clin Proc. 5 (70): 783–4. pmid 7630219.

External links

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