Rhinitis
| Rhinitis | |
| ICD-10 | J00, J30, J31.0 |
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| ICD-9 | 472.0 |
| DiseasesDB | 26380 |
| MeSH | D012220 |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: runny nose; drippy nose; rhinorrhoea; nasal discharge; nose catarrh; catarrh
Overview
Rhinitis is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose commonly referred to as a runny nose or cararrh. It causes a discharge or mucus blockage caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes.
Historical Perspective
The word "catarrh" comes from the Greek "katarrhein": kata- meaning "down" and rhein meaning "to flow."
Pathophysiology
Rhinitis is caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose due to viruses, bacteria or irritants. The inflammation results in the generating of excessive amounts of mucus producing a runny nose, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.
Rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine. This increase is likely caused by airborne allergens. These allergens may affect an individual's nose, throat, or eyes and cause an increase in fluid production within these areas.
Causes
Common Causes
Causes in Alphabetical Order
- Adenoid infection
- Common cold
- Allergy
- Hay fever
- Middle ear infections
- Sexual intercourse (a condition known as sexual catarrh)
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
Epidemiology and Demographics
According to recent studies completed in the United States, more than fifty millon Americans are current sufferers.
Natural History, Complications, Prognosis
Rhinitis has also been found to adversely affect more than just the nose, throat, and eyes. It has been associated with sleeping problems, problems with the ears, and even been linked to learning problems.
Complicaitons
Catarrh can result in the inability of the Eustachian tube to equalize the pressure on the two sides of the eardrum resulting in pain and damage to the eardrum (barotrauma).
As a result of the inability to equalize the pressure, there can be a buildup of pressure around the eardrum which results in ear pain. As a result, catarrh can result in discomfort with changes in air pressure such as those that accompany:
- Elevators
- Airplanes
- Traveling at elevation
and other activities associated with a change in air pressure.
Even the shallow end of a swimming pool can be problematic to the person with catarrh in so far as barotrauma to the middle ear can occur in as little as 4 feet of water.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
The primary symptom of rhinitis is a runny nose.
Common causes
Some of the most common causes that may bring about the presence of rhinitis include:
- Food Reactions
- Emotional
- Occupational
- Hormonal
- Anatomic Defects
- Immunodeficiency diseases
- Ciliary dyskinesia
- Animal Interraction
Testing for rhinitis
For assessing the possibility of allergies, skin testing, when possible, is the preferred method in comparison with various in vitro tests because it is more sensitive and specific, simpler to use, and less expensive [1] [2]
The typical method of diagnosis and monitoring of allergic rhinitis is skin testing, also known as "scratch testing" and "prick testing" due to the series of pricks and/or scratches made into the patient's skin. Small amounts of suspected allergens and/or their extracts (pollen, grass, mite proteins, peanut extract, etc.) are introduced to sites on the skin marked with pen or dye. The allergens are either injected intradermally or into small scratches made into the patient's skin, often with a small plastic device. Common areas for testing include the inside forearm and the back.
Testing can be either single antigen or multiple antigen testing. Both test the skin for effects of different substances.
Treatment
The management of rhinitis is mainly medical. Treatment for seasonal rhinitis is only needed during the appropriate time of the year. Current treatments include:
- Antihistamine pills and sprays
- Leukotriene antagonists
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Decongestant pills or sprays
- Nasal obstruction in perennial rhinitis may be treated by surgery.
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=3978&UID=
- ↑ Ten, R (1995). "Allergy Skin Testing". Mayo Clin Proc. 5 (70): 783–4. pmid 7630219.
External links
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- American Board of Allergy – ABAI establishes qualifications and examines physicians to become recognized specialists in allergy and immunology in the USA
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