Rhinitis

Rhinitis is the name given to a group of conditions that are caused by inflammation of the lining of the nose.  There are a variety of types and not all are caused by allergy.  All do, however, tend to cause a constant set of symptoms, whatever the cause.  These include nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, sneezing and post-nasal drip or phlegm.  The type that occurs during only the spring or summer, is called hay fever and this is discussed separately.

Persistent all-year-round ('chronic') rhinitis is common, and skin prick testing will show if an obvious allergy is the cause.  Cases with skin tests positive are similar to hay fever, and the results of such tests may show allergy to a number of common items such as house dust mite, cats dogs and other pets, feathers and fungal spores. 

The symptoms of chronic rhinitis will often come and go, whether or not allergy is the cause, and frequent attacks of sinusitis are common.  For this reason many sufferers do not realise that this is their problem, preferring to blame colds, a condition that is more correctly called a viral rhinitis.  This distinction is often difficult, even for a doctor, as a cold is simply a short episode of rhinitis that is caused by a virus.  Skin prick testing may be useful to show if allergic rhinitis may be the cause.  Cases of rhinitis with skin tests negative can be difficult to define, and finding a cause can be elusive. 

Sinusitis

Viral and allergic rhinitis are more often than not complicated by varying degrees of sinusitis, a condition that can itself become chronic (persistent).  Therefore, in reality, rhinitis and sinusitis very often co-exist (some experts say that you cannot have one without the other), hence the term rhinosinusitis.  Recent research has now shown us that the majority of asthmatics suffer varying degrees of rhinosinusitis, an association that suggests that there are likely to be common environmental causes.  

However when you consider that the respiratory tract is made up of not only the lungs, bronchi and trachea but also the nose, sinuses and throat, then this is perhaps not surprising.  The connection is an important one, as for those asthmatics who are unaware of their chronic rhinosinusitis, an important area for treatment is ignored.  There is no doubt that the effective diagnosis and treatment of rhino-sinusitis is of enormous benefit to many asthmatics.  This important connection has now been officially recognised; and an international set of guidelines has been produced, sponsored by the World Health Organisation.  The full set of guidelines can be examined by following this link:

ARIA - Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma

Other Associated Conditions

In addition to asthma and sinusitis, rhinitis is also strongly associated with pharyngitis, otitis media (ear infections), chest infections and, in some people, sleep problems. 

Recommended Reading