Does nasal irrigation work for chronic rhinitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 15, 2025
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Patients with chronic rhinitis can benefit from nasal irrigation as it is effective in treatment, and some patients may experience particularly good results. Nasal irrigation helps reduce the retention of secretions in the nasal cavity, improves clinical symptoms, and can also help reduce the likelihood of acute flare-ups of chronic rhinitis. However, the specific treatment outcomes can vary among individuals, and some patients may still need to combine the treatment with medications. Common medications include oral drugs and nasal spray medications. Following this comprehensive treatment approach, most patients will gradually see their condition controlled and alleviated. However, it is currently difficult to completely cure chronic rhinitis, as it tends to recur. (Please take medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Chronic rhinitis headache symptoms

Chronic rhinitis is a relatively common clinical disease with various symptoms. Some patients may experience headaches, which are mainly caused by inflammatory reactions. It could also be due to poor ventilation in the nasal cavity, leading to headaches. Generally, it is accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, dizziness, and there might also be bloody nasal discharge or nasal drip. Therefore, upon noticing these symptoms, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) for relevant diagnostic tests to clarify the specific condition. Most patients can choose oral medications or nasal sprays for treatment and require regular follow-up to observe the effects. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Chronic Rhinitis

The causes of chronic rhinitis are quite complex and not due to a single factor. It often arises from multiple factors after prolonged and repeated acute attacks, leading to chronic inflammatory changes. These changes primarily affect the nasal mucosa, with the most common causes including: First, prolonged and repeated bouts of acute rhinitis that are not thoroughly treated can lead to chronic rhinitis. This also includes some chronic diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses, such as congenital deviation of the nasal septum, meaning the middle part of the nose is crooked, which disrupts drainage and airflow in the nasal cavity. Thus, when there is an acute inflammation, the secretions cannot be drained timely, eventually causing chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Second, inflammation of nearby tissues and organs can lead to chronic rhinitis, such as chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hyperplasia during childhood. These chronic inflammations can cause secretions in the nasopharyngeal area to irritate and contribute to the chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, impacting each other. Third, occupational and environmental factors play a role. The living and working environment, along with lifestyle habits, greatly influence the incidence of chronic rhinitis. People who frequently smoke or drink alcohol are more susceptible to this condition. Additionally, if the work or living environment is polluted, dirty, dusty, or exposed to other harmful gases or chemicals, it may also lead to chronic rhinitis. Therefore, the formation of chronic rhinitis involves multifaceted and multiple causes, and the specific reasons should be analyzed based on different patients.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Child's rhinitis symptoms

Children's rhinitis is a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, headache, and dizziness. Some patients may also experience snoring and mouth breathing during sleep. For treatment, it is necessary to visit an ENT department to assess the extent of inflammation and type of rhinitis in the nasal cavity. Generally, treatment mainly consists of oral medications and nasal sprays, along with saline nasal irrigation, with a typical treatment period of about one to two weeks. After medication, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the recovery. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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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Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to relieve chronic rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis mainly refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa and submucosa, which may be related to allergic states, bacterial infections, viral infections, and environmental factors, as well as the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. Traditional Chinese medicine considers this a manifestation of excessive heat or internal heat. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid catching a cold, smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and consuming spicy or stimulating food. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are cooling and slightly bitter may help. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, the use of antihistamines and traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying can be beneficial. Applying glucocorticoid nasal sprays may also help. Generally, such treatments can alleviate or cure the condition.