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Is your nose runny and stuffy? Rhinitis could be to blame.

A frequently runny and congested nose can make it challenging to perform routine activities, disrupt your sleep, and even affect social interactions.

Luckily, you can alleviate your symptoms with the right treatment. Keep reading to learn more about whether rhinitis could be to blame for your runny nose and congestion, and how you can find relief.

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the lining inside your nose. This inflammation can cause your nasal passages to swell and obstruct air flow, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.

As a result, your nose may feel stuffed up or congested. At the same time, inflammation can trigger the production of excess mucus, resulting in a runny nose. 

Rhinitis can be acute or chronic. In acute rhinitis, the inflammation is short-lived, and symptoms typically resolve within a few days or weeks.

On the other hand, chronic rhinitis is the long-term inflammation of your nasal cavity lining. Unlike acute rhinitis, which usually goes away within several days or weeks, chronic rhinitis symptoms last for more than 12 weeks. 

What are the Symptoms of Rhinitis?

Symptoms of rhinitis can range from mild to severe. In addition to a runny nose and congestion, acute and chronic rhinitis symptoms can include:

  • Sneezing  
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Itchy nose 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
  • Headache 
  • Watery eyes
  • Poor sleep
  • Fatigue 
  • Itchy eyes 
  • Diminished sense of smell and taste 

How is Allergic Rhinitis Different from Non-Allergic Rhinitis?

Rhinitis can be further classified as allergic and non-allergic:

Allergic Rhinitis 

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common causes of nasal congestion. Often referred to as hay fever, allergic rhinitis happens when your immune system overreacts to substances that are harmless to most people.

These substances are called allergens. When you inhale an allergen like dust or mold, your immune system releases histamines and other chemicals to fight the invading allergen.

Histamine causes inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages, as well as symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis can be perennial or seasonal.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs during certain times of the year, such as summer, spring, and early fall. It’s triggered by seasonal, outdoor allergens like pollen from flowers, grasses, weeds, and trees, which can cause a runny and stuffy nose.

The intensity of your symptoms can vary depending on the pollen count and your sensitivity to particular allergens. On the other hand, some people experience allergic rhinitis symptoms year-round, no matter the season.

This is known as perennial allergic rhinitis. It’s often caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroach droppings, and mold, which are present throughout the year.

You may experience chronic congestion and a constantly runny nose if you have perennial allergic rhinitis.

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis is rhinitis that doesn’t involve your immune system. Instead, it’s triggered by environmental factors such as smoke, fumes, strong odors, air pollution, or weather changes.

Non-allergic rhinitis can also result from certain medications, infections like the flu or a cold, hormonal changes, stress, specific foods, and structural issues in your nasal cavity such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. 

How is Rhinitis Treated?

There are various options for rhinitis treatment. The best treatment will depend on several factors, such as what caused your rhinitis and how long it has lasted. 

For instance, if you’re diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, your treatment may include:

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid nasal sprays can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. When sprayed into your nose, these anti-inflammatory medicines reduce swelling or inflammation, alleviating symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose and sneezing.

Corticosteroids can also help decrease the size of nasal polyps. 

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, providing relief from symptoms such as itching, a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy addresses the root cause of allergic rhinitis. It desensitizes your immune system to allergens that trigger your symptoms.

The first step in immunotherapy is to undergo allergy testing to determine what you’re allergic to. Immunotherapy involves introducing your immune system to small and gradually increasing doses of the substances you’re allergic to.

Over time, your immune system gets used to the allergen, resulting in less severe or considerably fewer symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including congestion and a runny nose. Immunotherapy can be given in the form of allergy shots or drops.

The treatment lasts for 3 to 5 years. For patients with non-allergic rhinitis, treatment options may include:

Nasal Steroids

Nasal steroids or corticosteroids can also be used to treat non-allergic rhinitis. They’re effective in decreasing inflammation and nasal symptoms. 

Saline Nasal Sprays

A saline nasal spray is a sterile saltwater solution that alleviates nasal congestion and discharge associated with non-allergic rhinitis. Saline nasal sprays are gentle and soothe inflamed nasal membranes.

They flush out allergens, mucus, and other irritants. Saline sprays also keep your nose clear by thinning and loosening mucus, clearing congestion so you can breathe better.

Ipratropium Nasal Sprays 

Ipratropium can be prescribed to relieve a drippy nose caused by non-allergic rhinitis.

Decongestants 

Oral and nasal decongestants can shrink swollen nasal tissue, easing stuffiness. However, they shouldn’t be used for too long because they can worsen congestion.

Breathe Better, Breathe Easier

Our expert doctors at Southern Indiana ENT have extensive experience accurately diagnosing and treating rhinitis. They’ll tailor a treatment plan that can deliver lasting relief and improve your overall well-being.

Do you suspect rhinitis could be the reason your nose is congested and runny? Schedule your appointment at Southern Indiana ENT in Indianapolis, IN, today to take your first step toward finding relief.