What Are the Treatments for Perennial Rhinitis?

Perennial rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nose causing symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching. Different from seasonal allergies, perennial rhinitis produces symptoms throughout the year. The condition may be caused by an allergy to pet dander, dust mites, certain foods or other environmental factors, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nonallergic causes may include environmental irritants--such as tobacco smoke, hormone changes, overactive thyroid and medication side effects. The condition can range from mild to severe, and may cause considerable discomfort and disruption. Though no cure exists, a variety of treatment options are available

Prevention

• In cases where a specific allergen is identified, such as particular foods or pets, avoidance of that allergen is advised, according to Patient UK. Allergies to dust mites are common and difficult to avoid, though frequent vacuuming and washing of bed linens and towels may reduce the number of mites in your home, thereby reducing symptom severity.

Medications

• A number of medications are available to help relieve the symptoms of perennial rhinitis. Over-the-counter medications include oral and nasal spray decongestants and antihistamines as well as antihistamine eye drops. Patients using nasal spray decongestants should not use them for more than three days in a row as they may cause a worsening of symptoms known as rebound congestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other classes of drugs to treat rhinitis are only available by prescription; these include leukotreine modifiers and nasal atropine.

Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy or desensitization involves giving a patient a series of injections, each containing minute but steadily increasing dosages of the allergen. The idea behind this method is that the immune system will become accustomed to the allergen and therefore be desensitized, according to Patient UK. This treatment has variable success rates, and may be more effective against some allergens than others.

Alternative Medicine

• Certain forms of alternative medicine have been successful in treating perennial rhinitis. Acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herbs and homeopathic remedies with indications for rhinitis are all available options, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. As well, some success has been found by supplementing with certain vitamins and herbs, including quercetin, vitamin C, spirulina, lactobacillus acidophilus, goldenseal and stinging nettle.

Surgery

• Occasionally, rhinitis can cause the growth of nasal polyps which may cause difficulty in draining the sinuses and breathing. In this instance surgery to remove the polyps and reopen the nasal passages should help to alleviate symptoms, according to Patient UK.