Rhinitis: classification, types, causes and treatment

In the article brought to your attention, we propose to analyze the classification of rhinitis and briefly describe each type. In addition, you will learn how to deal with this disease, and how it is dangerous.

Types and causes of the disease

Before we move on to the classification of rhinitis, we offer a brief introduction to the term itself. So, according to medical terminology, they call everyone the usual runny nose. Inflammation of the mucous membrane leads to nasal congestion and excessive secretion of fluid. The types and causes of the disease can be found in the table below.

Acute rhinitis

According to the ICD-10 code, rhinitis (acute) is J00. Symptoms include:

• discharge from the nose (while the color and consistency may be different);
• swelling of the nasal mucosa;
• obstruction to breathing through the nose;
• headaches;
• sneezing.

In total, 3 clinical stages of the disease are distinguished:

• irritation (no discharge from the nose);
• transparent discharge;
• purulent discharge.

Chronic rhinitis

In the classification of rhinitis, we mentioned the chronic form of the disease. About her a little more. It has a long form of the course (improvement and relapse). The ICD-10 code is chronic rhinitis - J31.0 Symptoms include:

• lasting more than 2 weeks;
• in the cold, breathing becomes even harder;
• lying on your side, you will feel that one nostril has stopped breathing;
• accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx;
• decreased sense of smell;
• frequent headaches are possible.

Viral rhinitis

Now about the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which is caused by different viruses (flu, measles, encephalitis, smallpox, and so on). Viral rhinitis is often confused with acute catarrhal, since the symptoms are similar, only in this case they are more pronounced:

• increase in body temperature;
• sneezing
• copious discharge;
• weakness;
• joint and headache.

Such a runny nose can easily give complications in the form of:

• otitis media;
• sinusitis;
• laryngotracheitis.

Bacterial rhinitis

Further in the presented classification of rhinitis is bacterial. The causes of which are the following bacteria:

• Staphylococcus aureus;
• scarlet fever;
• gonococcus;
• pale treponema and others.

Symptoms are:

• thick purulent discharge;
• fever;
• nasal congestion;
• headache;
• weakness.

Possible complications:

• sinusitis;
• otitis;
• laryngotracheitis;
• pharyngitis;
• bronchitis and so on.

Allergic rhinitis

As mentioned earlier, seasonal rhinitis and year-round are distinguished in this category. This ailment is very common in big cities. This is a real global problem, because about 20% of the inhabitants of our planet (according to statistics) suffer from this disease.

Let's see what causes allergic rhinitis? Of course, the culprits are foreign substances (allergens). Speaking extremely simply, then this is an allergy, which manifests itself in the form of rhinitis.

Vasomotor rhinitis

Now we will pay a little attention to vasomotor rhinitis, symptoms and treatment of this disease. It is important to note that this form has been studied very little. It can be briefly described as a chronic runny nose with impaired functioning of the mucous vessels. In this case, an inflammatory reaction is not observed.

We turn to the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis (and treatment will certainly be considered by us, only in a separate paragraph, which you can see at the end of the article):

• discharge (watery consistency);
• itching
• sneezing
• possibly a foreign body sensation in the nose;
• nasal congestion at night (even if you breathe calmly during the day);
• when lying on its side, one nostril does not breathe.

Drug rhinitis

The table has already been said that this disease can bother those people who use drugs that can narrow blood vessels for a long time. In this case, nasal congestion occurs, and inflammation of the mucosa is not noted.

Symptoms

• stuffy nose;
• there is no discharge or they are scarce;
• possible tachycardia;
• possibly increased pressure;
• decreased sense of smell;
• frequent headaches.

Hypertrophic rhinitis

This species is a pathology. With hypertrophic rhinitis, a thickening of the nasal mucosa is observed. It is worth noting that this can occur both on the entire inner surface and locally.

Symptoms include:

• nasal congestion;
• discharge;
• dry nose
• dry mouth
• nasal;
• stuffy ears.

Please note that in this case, the use of vasoconstrictors does not solve the problem of nasal congestion.

Hyperplastic rhinitis

This type of runny nose is possible only if excessive proliferation of cells of the nasal mucosa is noticed. Simply put, cells increase their numbers at a rapid pace, which leads to tissue overgrowth. The result of this process is difficulty breathing.

Symptoms

• stuffy nose;
• vasoconstrictor drugs do not alleviate the condition;
• nasal;
• ears are stuffed;
• headache often.

As you can see, the symptoms are identical with hypertrophic rhinitis. Doctors use an adrenaline test to pinpoint the problem.

Purulent rhinitis

It should be noted that the so-called purulent rhinitis itself does not exist as a separate species. Doctors use this term to more conveniently describe the symptoms of the disease. A runny nose in which pus is secreted can be:

• acute catarrhal;
• back;
• bacterial;
• viral;
• chronic.

Pus, which is secreted from the nose, may indicate:

• joining an infection;
• complication of sinusitis.

In this case, it is necessary to urgently visit a doctor, since purulent rhinitis requires a thorough diagnosis.

Dry rhinitis

This variety appears as a result of malnutrition of the mucosa. A distinctive feature is a constant dry nose. Dry rhinitis can occur for some reason:

• constant contact with chemicals;
• exposure to high temperatures;
• alcoholism;
• smoking;
• ENT operations.

Symptoms include:

• dryness;
• crusts on the nasal mucosa;
• discharge from the nose with an admixture of blood;
• congestion;
• the formation of viscous mucus.

Back and internal rhinitis

These two species in scientific circles are united by one term - rhinopharyngitis. Separation is used to describe the specific location of the problem. So, for example, rhinitis is called a runny nose, which developed as a result of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx due to a bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms of internal rhinitis? These include:

• stuffy nose;
• burns and dries in the nasopharynx;
• unpleasant sensation when swallowing;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• yellow and thick discharge from the nose;
• the accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx, which has an unpleasant odor, it is the reason for difficulty breathing (it is worth noting that this is very dangerous for young children);
• in children - an increase in body temperature;
• malaise;
• weakness in the body.

Treatment

Now let's talk briefly about how to get rid of rhinitis. Of course, you need to visit a doctor who can identify the cause, appearance and prescribe the correct treatment.

It is necessary to treat the common cold, because rhinitis can cause the development of more serious diseases:

• otitis media;
• pharyngitis;
• sinusitis;
• pneumonia
• bronchitis and so on.

One treatment for the common cold is indispensable; it is necessary to eliminate the problem of its appearance. Based on this, the treatment of rhinitis takes place in parallel with the elimination of infection. The cause may be more serious diseases that require special attention:

• gonorrhea;
• diphtheria;
• syphilis;
• measles.

How to cure rhinitis at home? As a rule, various medications are used to facilitate nasal breathing. The basis for successful treatment is compliance with the recommendations specified in the instructions for a specific drug.

The procedures that are necessary to treat rhinitis are not very numerous: nasal instillation, use of antiviral ointments, taking medications (prescribed by your doctor), if possible, inhalation, adherence to the regimen. The latter includes: compliance with bed rest, drinking regimen, a special diet.