Rhinitis

What is rhinitis?

Rhinitis is a condition where the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity is inflamed.

What are the symptoms of rhinitis?

Symptoms of rhinitis include:

• Sneezing
  
• Nasal obstruction
  
• Sensation of a stuffy nose
• Runny nose

What causes rhinitis?

Rhinitis is a common condition that may be caused by:

• An infection
• An allergic response
• Overuse of certain medications
  

Infective rhinitis is usually caused by viruses and results in the common cold.

How is rhinitis treated?

Infections usually resolve on their own over a few days.

Medical treatment

Medical treatment is usually targeted at symptom relief. Antihistamines or nasal decongestants may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of the disease.

Nasal decongestants like oxymetazolin, work by constricting the blood vessels in the mucosal lining. It is important to note that prolonged use of such decongestants may result in rebound symptoms (return of symptoms being treated which is now more severe than before) and worsening of the nasal obstruction. This is a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa.