Difference between Allergic Rhinitis and Rhinitis

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Allergic rhinitis and rhinitis are issues of a specific concept versus a broader concept. Allergic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis caused by a hypersensitivity reaction, which is an allergic response of the body leading to inflammation of the nasal passages. Rhinitis, however, includes allergic rhinitis as well as chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, etc. Thus, it's a matter of differentiating between a more specific and a general concept. Clinically, it is particularly important to differentiate their diagnosis and treatment. For example, the primary treatment for allergic rhinitis is anti-allergy medication, whereas treatments for conditions like chronic and atrophic rhinitis are completely different. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate these accurately in clinical practice to ensure the correct medication is used.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can rhinitis cause coughing?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, which can cause coughing. The rhinitis-induced cough primarily involves two aspects. One is allergic rhinitis, which can lead to allergic pharyngitis, resulting in symptoms of coughing. According to the medical approach to allergic pathophysiological reactions, this is considered 'one airway, one disease,' where the allergic condition starts from the nose and develops into an allergy in the throat. Another situation involves the abundant secretions in rhinitis. These secretions flow back to the nasopharyngeal area and then irritate the throat, which can cause coughing. Therefore, overall, rhinitis can lead to coughing, and it should be managed and treated according to its different causes.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic rhinitis contagious?

Chronic rhinitis primarily refers to the chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. Clinically, it is classified into three types based on pathology: simple rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, and atrophic rhinitis. From its classification, it can be seen that chronic rhinitis is not contagious. Clinically, it mainly manifests as nasal congestion, congestion of the nasal mucosa, nasal enlargement, etc. Therefore, it is not contagious. However, it is important to note that chronic rhinitis can sometimes acutely exacerbate under certain special conditions. During an acute exacerbation of chronic rhinitis, the nasal mucosa becomes highly congested, and secretion increases, which may be somewhat contagious under these circumstances. Therefore, analysis should be based on specific conditions. In summary, chronic rhinitis is not contagious.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic rhinitis serious?

Chronic rhinitis is very serious and can cause diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the bilateral inferior turbinate mucosa in patients, leading to persistent bilateral nasal congestion. The condition progressively worsens, and the nasal cavity will also have mucous secretions. Prolonged hypoxia in patients can lead to dizziness, headaches, a decrease in the sense of smell, memory decline, and in severe cases, depression and irritability among other clinical symptoms. When examined with an electronic nasal endoscope, the surface of the bilateral turbinate mucosa may show mulberry-like changes, and the effect of vasoconstrictors is poor. In treating chronic rhinitis, conservative treatment can be adopted first, and nebulized inhalation treatment is effective. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective, bilateral partial inferior turbinate resection may be needed. After surgery, patients need to exercise and boost their immunity to avoid recurrent episodes.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for rhinitis?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Currently, nasal mucosa inflammation can be acute, chronic, allergic, or atrophic. These inflammations require appropriate treatment, but do not require the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as current anti-inflammatory drugs mainly refer to antibiotics, which are not necessary for these types of rhinitis. Clinically, some nasal spray medications are primarily used, such as some corticosteroid hormones, which have anti-inflammatory effects; saline solutions with high osmolarity can also be used to cleanse and rinse the nasal cavity. Oral medications can include some traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as Biyan Tongqiao granules and Xiangju tablets, etc. For allergic rhinitis, some antiallergic drugs such as loratadine can be used for antiallergic treatment. In summary, there is no need to use antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs. (Please use medicine under the guidance of a doctor to avoid indiscriminate use.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain chronic rhinitis usually?

Chronic rhinitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology. The maintenance of chronic rhinitis mainly involves keeping warm regularly and wearing a mask when going out as much as possible to avoid exacerbation of nasal mucosa inflammation due to air pollution. Additionally, in daily life one should enhance physical exercise, engage in running, swimming, and other aerobic activities, which can help improve the immune function of the nasal mucosa and reduce the occurrence of nasal congestion. At the same time, patients with chronic rhinitis can use glucocorticoid nasal sprays in their daily life to reduce mucosal swelling and maintain nasal ventilation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)