Chronic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis that is characterized by symptoms (like coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, itchy nose and nasally voice) that can persist for weeks to months.

It is usually caused by allergies, but can also be triggered by contact with irritants like smoke, pollutants, some anti-inflammatory medications and consuming of hot foods or drinks.

If you suspect you may have chronic rhinitis, it is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist. Treatment may involve the use of medications, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, and nasal irrigation with saline solution. You should also avoid contact with substances that may aggravate the symptoms.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of chronic rhinitis are:

Coughing and sneezing
Stuffy nose
Clear nasal discharge
Decreased sense of smell
Itchy nose, eyes, throat and/or roof of the mouth
Red, watery eyes
Nasally voice

These symptoms tend to be triggered or worsened by contact with irritating substances, like, strong odors and perfumes, or allergens, like pollen, dust and animal hair.

Depending on the underlying cause of chronic rhinitis, symptoms may take weeks to months to improve. In more severe cases, these symptoms can be constant, especially in those that frequently come in contact with their triggers.

Confirming a diagnosis

Chronic rhinitis is typically diagnosed by an otolaryngologist or allergy specialist, who will assess the person's symptoms, health history, and allergies. The doctor may opt to perform a rhinoscopy to inspect the nasal cavity, which will typically reveal swelling.

The doctor may also order additional tests such as a CT scan of the nasal cavities and an allergy test.

Main causes

The most common causes of chronic rhinitis are:

Allergies to dust, animal hair or pollen, for example;
Irritating substances, like smoke, intense odors and pollutants;
Some medications, especially anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen;
Hormonal changes, from pregnancy or hypothyroidism, for example;
Hot and/or spicy foods or drinks.

Chronic rhinitis is most often caused by allergies to specific substances or products, which is also known as allergic rhinitis.

Treatment options

Treatment for chronic rhinitis should be guided by an otolaryngologist, allergy specialist or immunologist, and will depend on each case and the symptoms presents.

Treatment for chronic rhinitis prescribed by the doctor may include:

Oral antihistamines, which can relieve symptoms of rhinitis flare-ups;
Nasal corticosteroids, which act as anti-inflammatories, also helping to relieve the symptoms of rhinitis;
Nasal or oral decongestants, which help to reduce nasal obstruction;
Nasal irrigation with saline solution, which helps to reduce irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, relieving symptoms.
Surgery, which is especially indicated in cases where there are nasal polyps or persistent nasal obstruction,

Many patients may benefit from regularly washing your nose with saline solution and avoiding contact with pollutants or allergens, like smoke, fur and strong perfumes.

Is there a cure for chronic rhinitis?

There is no cure for chronic rhinitis, but it can be well-controlled with the right treatment. The main way to manage rhinitis is to avoid contact with substances that cause and/or worsen symptoms, such as dust, mold or smoke.

Sometimes the doctor may advise immune desensitization therapy, which is done by injecting a vaccine to reduce the person's sensitivity to substances that aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis.

Although this method does not cure rhinitis, its effect can last up to 3 years after finishing treatment in some cases.