The difference between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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The differences between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis are quite significant. Firstly, we need to consider the causes of the diseases. Allergic rhinitis is mainly caused by the body's own immune response, primarily due to allergens the body encounters externally, which trigger this immune response. Chronic rhinitis, on the other hand, is primarily associated with local inflammation of the nasal mucosa and turbinates, and generally, it is not directly related to the body's own immune system. Another difference lies in the symptoms. The main symptoms of chronic rhinitis include nasal congestion and runny nose, with some patients possibly experiencing headaches or dizziness. In contrast, symptoms of allergic rhinitis mainly include itchy nose, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge, with some patients possibly experiencing nasal congestion. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist, allowing an experienced doctor to make a diagnosis, supplemented by additional diagnostic tests.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which is more serious, chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis primarily involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa, submucosal tissues, nasal conchae, tympanic membrane, and even the bones. Allergic disease mainly involves allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There is no clear distinction in severity between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. If chronic rhinitis tends towards an atrophic progression, then it is relatively serious. Allergic rhinitis, with its recurrent episodes, causes allergic cough and allergic asthma, which also signifies a relatively serious condition. Therefore, both chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis require active treatment, rather than distinguishing which one is more severe or which condition is milder. All issues should be actively treated.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to distinguish between rhinitis and a cold

The distinction between rhinitis and a cold primarily hinges on the following aspects: first and foremost, the specific onset time of the illness. Colds generally occur suddenly and last for a relatively short duration, about a week; whereas the duration of rhinitis may be longer, and some individuals might even experience chronic rhinitis, meaning the onset duration for rhinitis is relatively longer. The second aspect is the symptoms. Cold symptoms may include nasal congestion and a runny nose, but most patients will also exhibit other uncomfortable symptoms, such as sore throat, body aches, or fever. In the case of rhinitis, the primary symptoms are usually nasal, such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, and generally, there are rarely any whole-body symptoms. The third method is through an examination of the nasal cavity, which is primarily based on the doctor's experiential judgment. These three aspects essentially allow for the differentiation between rhinitis and a cold.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis is generally caused by the prolongation of acute rhinitis or recurrent attacks, resulting in nasal symptoms. Patients may experience bilateral nasal congestion, which alternates, being less severe during physical activity in the daytime and more severe at night when quiet. Additionally, mucous-like discharge can occur in the nasal cavity. When accompanied by bacterial infection, yellow or green discharge may appear. During examination, patients may find significant congestion and edema on the middle and inferior turbinates, and abnormal secretions adhering to the middle nasal meatus or common nasal channel. In treatment, chronic rhinitis can initially be managed with nebulized inhalation to alleviate congestion and edema of the turbinates. Concurrently, exercising can enhance immunity and resistance, restore the function of the nasal mucosa, and subsequently lead to recovery from chronic rhinitis.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to completely cure seasonal rhinitis?

Seasonal rhinitis is mainly caused by allergic reactions, which are related to the body's exposure to external allergens. It is recommended that individuals seek care from an otorhinolaryngologist after experiencing allergies, to conduct external allergen screening and identify specific allergens. Most patients can only control their condition and alleviate symptoms. If it is a case of a dust mite allergy of grade three or above, desensitization treatment can be considered. After desensitization, some patients may achieve clinical cure, but others might only see improved symptoms without a complete cure. Overall, regular follow-up is necessary to monitor changes in the condition, and contact with allergenic substances should be avoided as much as possible.