Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis
About Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis causes frequent runny nose, post-nasal drip, and congestion. People with chronic rhinitis often feel like their nose is stuffy or runny every day, even when it’s not allergy season. They may have what feels like constant post-nasal drip and a need to clear their throat, as well as nasal/throat itching, and sneezing.
While not life-threatening, chronic rhinitis can seriously impact your quality of life. Sufferers often feel dependent on medications that provide only temporary relief or rely on tissues and sprays to manage their symptoms. The constant runny or stuffy nose can be frustrating and embarrassing, preventing many from living life to the fullest.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis is a common condition caused by overactive nerve signals and inflamed soft tissue in the nose. Millions suffer from chronic rhinitis, yet it often goes undiagnosed. If you suspect you have chronic rhinitis, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options. Drippy nose? All stuffed up? Frog in your throat? These are all signs and symptoms of chronic rhinitis:
Understanding the Different Types of Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergies and can be seasonal, caused by environmental factors or allergens. Common allergens include pollen, dust, mold, and animal dander.
Non-allergic Rhinitis
As the name suggests, non-allergic rhinitis is not caused by allergens, seasonal conditions, or environmental factors. Also known as vasomotor rhinitis, it is caused by the nerves and muscles that regulate blood vessels and blood flow in the nasal passages.
Distinguishing Allergic and Non-allergic Rhinitis
While non-allergic rhinitis shares some symptoms with seasonal allergies, its sufferers typically experience these issues year-round. It cannot be treated with allergy medications or immunotherapy. Regardless of the type of rhinitis you have, it can negatively impact your life. So it’s important to discuss your symptoms, potential causes, and treatment options with your doctor.
What Causes Chronic Rhinitis?
Environmental allergens may be a factor, but chronic rhinitis can also be caused by abnormal or overactive nerve signals in the nose. These signals can trigger excessive mucus production, leading to post-nasal drip and a nearly constant runny, stuffy nose.
That’s why non-allergic chronic rhinitis is also known as vasomotor rhinitis. “Vasomotor” refers to the nerves that regulate blood flow. In this condition, overactive nerves can cause inflammation of the nasal tissues and all the associated symptoms.
Find additional information and answers on our FAQs page.
How is Chronic Rhinitis Typically Treated?
For many chronic rhinitis sufferers, daily medications, sprays, and coping strategies often provide only short-term relief from their persistent runny nose, post-nasal drip, and congestion. In fact, 40% report that these treatments are insufficient.1 After enduring symptoms for years, many are seeking a more effective and lasting solution.
Discover if RhinAer® can provide the lasting relief you’ve been searching for—learn more or ask your ENT doctor today!
Not Sure If You Have Chronic Rhinitis?
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Important Patient Information
Please consult with your medical provider regarding specific questions and important information related to RhinAer® or VivAer® indications, contraindications, and potential side effects. Rx only.
References:
- Aerin quantitative ENT market survey, data on file.