“Know the Symptoms” Series #6 By CH'I (ACUTE RHINITIS)

ACUTE RHINITIS

Rhinitis is the irritation and inflammation of the mucosal surface of the nose, most commonly due to infection with respiratory viruses.

Common symptoms of rhinitis are a stuffy nose, runny nose, and post-nasal drip.[1]

The most common kind of rhinitis is allergic rhinitis,[2] which is usually triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen and dander.[3] Allergic rhinitis may cause additional symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal itching, coughing, headache,[2] fatigue, malaise, and cognitive impairment.[4][5][6] The allergens may also affect the eyes, causing watery, reddened, or itchy eyes and puffiness around the eyes.[2]...continue

In rhinitis, the inflammation of the mucous membrane is caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants or allergens. The inflammation results in the generation of large amounts of mucus, commonly producing a runny nose, as well as a stuffy nose and post-nasal drip. In the case of allergic rhinitis, the inflammation is caused by the degranulation of mast cells in the nose. When mast cells degranulate, they release histamine and other chemicals,[7] starting an inflammatory process that can cause symptoms outside the nose, such as fatigue and malaise.[8] In the case of infectious rhinitis, it may occasionally lead to pneumonia, either viral pneumonia or bacterial pneumonia. Sneezing also occurs in infectious rhinitis to expel bacteria and viruses from respiratory system.

Types

Rhinitis is categorized into three types:

(a) Infective rhinitis includes acute and chronic bacterial infections;

(b) Non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis includes autonomic, hormonal, drug-induced, atrophic, and gustatory rhinitis, as well as rhinitis medicamentosa;

(c) Allergic rhinitis, triggered by pollen, mold, animal dander, dust, Balsam of Peru, and other similar inhaled allergens.[2]

Management

The management of rhinitis depends on the underlying cause. High-dose administration of Vitamin B12 has been additionally validated to stimulate the activity of the body's TH1 suppressor T-Cells, which then down-regulates the over-production of the allergen antibody IgE in allergic individuals, which could decrease both near- and long-term manifestations of rhinitis symptomology.[9][10]

For allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroids and antihistamines can be used to suppress inflammation and control symptoms.

Prevention

In the case of infectious rhinitis, vaccination against Influenza viruses, Adenoviruses, Measles, Rubella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Diphtheria, Bacillus anthracis, and Bordetella may help prevent it.

Treatment Objectives

Relieve nasal mucosal oedema and obstruction

Relieve pain/discomfort

Treat complications

Drug Treatment

Analgesics e.g. Paracetamol

Anti-histamines e.g. Loratadine, Chlopheniramine maleate (Piriton)

Antibiotics - Only if secondary bacterial infection occurs.

Supportive Measures

Steam inhalation with a drop of eucalyptus oil

Source: Pharma-Guide-Nigeria