What is the danger of chronic rhinitis and how to get rid of it

What is chronic rhinitis

Like any part of the body, the nasal mucosa can become inflamed. This inflammation is called rhinitis. Running snot, stuffy nose, constant desire to sneeze - everyone is familiar with the symptoms of common acute rhinitis, better known as a runny nose.

Most often, the causes of the common cold are quite obvious. They can be in the nose:

Viruses or bacteria. This rhinitis is called infectious. This type of rhinitis is one of the common symptoms of ARVI.
Allergens. This rhinitis is called allergic rhinitis. It accompanies, for example, seasonal allergies - hay fever.

The "beauty" of these two types of rhinitis is that they are easy to treat. As soon as the body gets rid of the infection or gets out of contact with the harmful pollen, the runny nose stops.

But there is another type of rhinitis, Types of rhinitis. It is called non-infectious or non-allergic. Unlike other species, it is not so easy to get rid of it. First of all, because the causes of this type of rhinitis are not always clear Nonallergic rhinitis.

But even when doctors manage to figure out the reasons, it is a little late. Prolonged inflammation of the nasal mucosa from an acute form develops into a chronic one. This is how rhinitis occurs, which lasts week after week, only sometimes disappearing for a short time, in order to reappear soon. It is much more difficult to cure it than a common cold.

Studies show that chronic rhinitis suffers from the Role of microcirculation disorders of the nasal mucosa in the pathogenesis of various forms of chronic rhinitis in about 20% of the population.

Why does chronic rhinitis occur?

Here are some of the common causes that can lead to the development of a chronic rhinitis.

Endocrine, autoimmune, genetic disorders

Due to malfunctions in the body, the nasal mucosa becomes thinner. Hard crusts appear, because of which it seems as if the nose is constantly stuffed up and "does not breathe". Smell disappears, nosebleeds become commonplace. This type of chronic rhinitis is called atrophic rhinitis.

An important remark for literary scholars: the reasons often complement each other, and the types of rhinitis overlap. For example, atrophic can be a special case of medication, and hormonal - atrophic. The titles are given for information purposes rather.

Dust, smog, strong odors, chemical irritants in the air

If you regularly breathe air with various suspensions - for example, work in a carpentry or paint shop, a dusty room, and so on - the nasal mucosa is under constant stress. To cope with the abundance of "debris" in the air, the mucous membrane thickens. This is how hypertrophic rhinitis occurs.

Vasoconstrictor abuse

Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays relieve a common cold. But it is not for nothing that the instructions for these drugs say: “use no longer than 3-5 days”. Can You Overuse Nasal Spray? is a surefire way to earn rhinitis medication.

Hormonal changes in the body

Fluctuations in hormonal levels associated with puberty, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, thyroid disorders and other causes can cause chronic swelling of the nasal mucosa. This situation is called hormonal rhinitis.

Taking certain medications

Chronic rhinitis can develop as a side effect of regular use:

beta-blockers (these drugs are used, in particular, for hypertension);
some sedatives;
antidepressants;
drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction;
popular pain relievers - drugs based on aspirin and ibuprofen.

Weather changes

Too cold air can provoke the development of so-called cold rhinitis, when the nasal mucosa begins to react too sharply to any temperature fluctuations.

Some diseases

Chronic rhinitis is sometimes a by-product of hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Certain foods and alcohol

Hot and spicy food, as well as alcohol, often cause swelling of the nasal mucosa. If these foods are consumed regularly, edema runs the risk of becoming chronic.

Stress

Emotional or physical stress also increases the risk of developing lingering rhinitis.

Why is chronic rhinitis dangerous?

The lingering rhinitis itself is not so terrible as the complications that it can cause.

Nasal polyps

This is the name for soft growths (benign formations) that develop on the mucous membrane of the nose or sinuses due to chronic inflammation. Small polyps are usually not a problem. Large ones can block the flow of air through the nose, making it difficult to breathe and creating a feeling of constant congestion.

Sinusitis

Prolonged nasal congestion due to chronic rhinitis increases the risk of sinus inflammation. The most famous type of sinusitis is the most unpleasant painful sinusitis. However, other types - frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis - are no better.

Middle ear infections

The middle ear is directly connected to the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube. Therefore, prolonged inflammation of the nasal mucosa can lead to otitis media, which will recur over and over again.

Deterioration in performance

Long-term nasal congestion often causes headaches, inattention, and a feeling of general malaise. This means that it is more difficult for a person with chronic rhinitis to concentrate on work or school. And the results of the labor invested are lower than they could.

How to treat chronic rhinitis

It depends on how much he bothers you. In mild cases, you can do it at home.

If possible, avoid situations that have provoked and may worsen a chronic rhinitis. Ventilate the area in which you are more often and use protective masks when working in contaminated areas. Be less nervous. Do not overuse nasal vasoconstrictor drugs. Give up alcohol. Try to avoid significant temperature differences.
Rinse your nose regularly. Mayo Clinic experts claim Nonallergic rhinitis that daily flushing is one of the most effective ways to combat chronic rhinitis.
Monitor the humidity in the room. Its level should not fall below 40-60%.
Blow your nose regularly. This will help clear up excess mucus and irritants. Just do it carefully and according to the rules.
Drink plenty of fluids. This will make the mucus in the nose thinner and thinner. Runny nose and nasal congestion will recede.

In more complex cases, chronic rhinitis should only be treated with a doctor. The therapist will ask you about your lifestyle, clarify in what situations the runny nose is especially pronounced, will take an interest in the medications you are taking, and offer to be tested. Based on the results, the specialist will find out the root cause of the protracted rhinitis and suggest the treatment that suits you.