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Allergies Health Guide

All About Allergy

All About Allergy | Allergens | Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy | Contact Dermatitis | Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) | Rhinitis | Urticaria/Hives

Rhinitis

What is rhinitis?

women with nasal spray

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.

What are the types of rhinitis?

The two categories of rhinitis are:

  1. 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
  2. nonallergic rhinitis

    3. 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

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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