Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, with resultant nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and variable associated symptoms depending on etiology (eg, itching, sneezing, watery or purulent rhinorrhea, anosmia). Rhinitis is classified as allergic or nonallergic. The cause of nonallergic rhinitis is usually viral, although irritants can cause it. Diagnosis is usually clinical. Treatment includes humidification of room air, sympathomimetic amines, and antihistamines. Bacterial superinfection requires appropriate antibiotic treatment.
There are several forms of nonallergic rhinitis. (Also see Allergic Rhinitis.)
Acute rhinitis
Acute rhinitis, manifesting with edema and vasodilation of the nasal mucous membrane, rhinorrhea, and obstruction, is usually the result of a common cold; other causes include streptococcal, pneumococcal, and staphylococcal infections.
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis is generally a prolongation of subacute (resolved in 30 to 90 days) inflammatory or infectious rhinitis. It may also rarely occur in syphilis, tuberculosis, rhinoscleroma, rhinosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and leprosy—all of which are infections characterized by granuloma formation and destruction of soft tissue, cartilage, and bone. Nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea, and frequent bleeding result. Rhinoscleroma causes progressive nasal obstruction from indurated inflammatory tissue in the lamina propria. Rhinosporidiosis is characterized by bleeding polyps. Both low humidity and airborne irritants can result in chronic rhinitis.
Atrophic rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis, a form of chronic rhinitis, results in atrophy and sclerosis of mucous membrane; the mucous membrane changes from ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium, and the lamina propria is reduced in amount and vascularity. Atrophic rhinitis is associated with advanced age, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly known as Wegener granulomatosis), and iatrogenically induced excessive nasal tissue extirpation. Although the exact etiology is unknown, bacterial infection frequently plays a role. Nasal mucosal atrophy often occurs in older patients.
Vasomotor rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis, also called nonallergic rhinitis, is a chronic condition in which intermittent vascular engorgement of the nasal mucous membrane leads to watery rhinorrhea and sneezing. Etiology is uncertain, and no allergy can be identified. A dry atmosphere seems to aggravate the condition.
Symptoms and Signs of Nonallergic Rhinitis
Acute rhinitis results in cough, low-grade fever, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sneezing.
Chronic rhinitis manifestations are similar to those of acute rhinitis, but in prolonged or severe cases, patients may also have thick, foul-smelling, mucopurulent drainage; mucosal crusting; and/or bleeding.
Atrophic rhinitis results in enlargement of the nasal cavities, crust formation and malodorous bacterial colonization, nasal congestion, anosmia, and epistaxis that may be recurrent and severe.
Vasomotor rhinitis results in sneezing and watery rhinorrhea. The turgescent mucous membrane varies from bright red to purple. The condition is marked by periods of remission and exacerbation.
Diagnosis of Nonallergic Rhinitis
The different forms of rhinitis are diagnosed clinically. Testing is unnecessary.
Vasomotor rhinitis is differentiated from specific viral and bacterial infections of the nose by the lack of purulent exudate and crusting. It is differentiated from allergic rhinitis by the absence of an identifiable allergen.
Treatment of Nonallergic Rhinitis
For viral rhinitis, decongestants, antihistamines, or both
Viral rhinitis
Antihistamines may be helpful in the treatment of viral rhinitis, but those with anticholinergic properties dry mucous membranes and therefore may increase irritation. (See also Common ColdIntranasal Mast Cell Stabilizers). Decongestants also may relieve symptoms of acute bacterial rhinitis and chronic rhinitis, whereas an underlying bacterial infection requires culture, pathogen identification, antibiotic sensitivities, and appropriate antimicrobial treatment. If symptoms persist, biopsy may be necessary to rule out cancer.
Treatment of atrophic rhinitis
Treatment of vasomotor rhinitis
