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Rhinitis
By peace | October 2, 2006
Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose and throat when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes inflammation and fluid production in the fragile linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids.
Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes and is characterized by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea. The eyes, ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved. Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis. It is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the population. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications can occur and the condition can significantly impair quality of life, which leads to a number of indirect costs.
In U.S, Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 40 million people in the United States. Recent US figures suggest a 20% cumulative prevalence rate. Internationally, Scandinavian studies have demonstrated a cumulative prevalence rate of 15% in men and 14% in women. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis may vary within and among countries. This may be due to geographic differences in the types and potency of different allergens and the overall aeroallergen burden.
Allergic rhinitis occurs in persons of all races. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis seems to vary among different populations and cultures, which may be due to genetic differences, geographic factors or environmental differences, or other population-based factors. In childhood, allergic rhinitis is more common in boys than in girls, but in adulthood, the prevalence is approximately equal between men and women.
Onset of allergic rhinitis is common in childhood, adolescence, and early adult years, with a mean age of onset 8-11 years, but allergic rhinitis may occur in persons of any age. In 80% of cases, allergic rhinitis develops by age 20 years. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been reported to be as high as 40% in children, subsequently decreasing with age. In the geriatric population, rhinitis is less commonly allergic in nature.
While allergic rhinitis itself is not life threatening (unless accompanied by severe asthma or anaphylaxis), morbidity from the condition can be significant. Allergic rhinitis often coexists with other disorders, such as asthma, and may be associated with asthma exacerbations. It is also associated with otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. Allergic rhinitis may also contribute to learning difficulties, sleep disorders, and fatigue.
- A number of complications that can lead to increased morbidity or even mortality can occur secondary to allergic rhinitis. Possible complications include otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, acute sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis.
- Allergic rhinitis can be associated with a number of comorbid conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and nasal polyps. Evidence now suggests that uncontrolled allergic rhinitis can actually worsen the inflammation associated with asthma or atopic dermatitis. This could lead to further morbidity and even mortality.
- Allergic rhinitis can frequently lead to significant impairment of quality of life. Symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness (due to the disease or to medications), and malaise can lead to impaired work and school performance, missed school or work days, and traffic accidents. The overall cost (direct and indirect) of allergic rhinitis was recently estimated to be $5.3 billion per year.
Two Categories Of rhinitis:
- allergic rhinitis
There are two types of allergic rhinitis:
- seasonal – occurs particularly during pollen seasons
- perennial – occurs throughout the year
The most-common causes of allergic rhinitis are:
- pollen
- dust mites
- mold
- animal dander
Reactions from allergic rhinitis include:
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
Preventive measures for avoiding allergic rhinitis include:
- environmental controls, such as air conditioning, during pollen season
- avoiding areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds
- avoiding pets
Treatments for allergic rhinitis, as determined by your physician and based on your condition, may include:
- oral medications
- inhaled medications
- immunotherapy
- allergy injections
- nonallergic rhinitis
Types of nonallergic rhinitis are:
- vasomotor rhinitis (irritant rhinitis)
- eosinophilic
- rhinitis medicamentosa
- neutrophilic rhinosinusitis
- structural rhinitis
- nasal polyps
- primary vasomotor instability
Causes of nonallergic rhinitis include:
- fumes
- odors
- temperature
- atmospheric changes
- smoke
- other irritants
Reactions from nonallergic rhinitis include:
- sneezing
- congestion
- runny nose
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears
The preventive measure for avoiding nonallergic rhinitis is avoiding the primary cause.
Treatments for nonallergic rhinitis, as determined by your physician and based on your condition, may include:
- oral medications
- inhaled medications
- immunotherapy
- allergy injections
- surgery for some conditions
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