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What Is Chronic Rhinitis?

Although the word rhinitis is sometimes used to refer to sinus congestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the definition of rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages due to severe congestion or other changes that irritate the nasal passage.

  1. Chronic Rhinitis

    • Chronic rhinitis is rhinitis that lasts for a long time, rather than acute rhinitis that may occur with a cold and then go away.

    Symptoms

    • Possible symptoms of rhinitis include nasal congestion, sometimes with thick yellow or green discharge; postnasal drip; bad breath; irritating dry cough and pressure; and tenderness or pain above the eyebrows and above the upper, side teeth.

    Diagnosis

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a rhinitis diagnosis requires that you experience at least two of the following symptoms for an hour or more on most days: runny nose, nasal congestion, nasal itching or sneezing.

    Causes

    • Allergies are the most common cause of chronic rhinitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other causes include structural problems, such as a deviated septum, or chronic infections.

    Treatment

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, treatment depends on many factors, including the underlying cause, and may include avoiding allergens, a variety of medications, nasal saline wash, or surgery to correct structural problems.

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