OCEANN ENT
RHINITIS & NASAL ALLERGIES
OCEANN ENT
Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. The nose produces mucus, which helps to trap substances including dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Mucus is usually thin and produced in small amounts that can easily be drained through your throat and nostrils. However, rhinitis can cause mucus to become thick and excessive, leading to irritation.
Symptoms of rhinitis often include a stuffy nose (nasal congestion), sneezing, a runny nose (rhinorrhea), diminished sense of smell and taste, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure/headache.
One of the most common causes of Rhinitis is Nasal Allergies. Allergies affect approximately 50 million people in the United States every year. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, occurs when an individual’s body reacts to tiny particles in the air called allergens. Some common allergies include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.
If you can’t find relief from allergy symptoms on your own, our providers can help.
When symptoms interfere with your quality of life, you may benefit from seeking treatment. Severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Some of the most common triggers that can trigger the body into this type of shock include bee stings and food allergies. If this happens, call 911 and seek immediate medical treatment.
Nasal inflammation can occur through a multitude of causes including medications, foods, stress, genetic disposition, weather changes, and environmental exposures. Vasomotor Rhinitis refers to rhinitis without clear causes and does not seem related to allergies or infections. While no cure exists for vasomotor rhinitis, our providers can help create a customized plan that best manages your symptoms.
Decongestants may be included in patient treatment plans. It is important to follow up with healthcare professionals to ensure complications do not worsen symptoms. A type of rhinitis known as Rhinitis medicamentosa refers to severe rebound nasal congestion caused by excessive and prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays and drops.