Related Terms

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Background

• Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the nose. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, and irritants can cause inflammation of the nasal mucus membrane, which results in rhinitis. Once inflamed, the nose produces excessive mucous, which causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip (when mucus drips from the sinuses, down the throat).
• Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergies. This type of rhinitis occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an airborne substance that is normally harmless (allergen), such as mold, pollen, animal dander, or dust mites. Once the allergen is inhaled through the nose, white blood cells of an allergic individual produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This immunoglobulin attaches to the allergen, which triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergic rhinitis symptoms, such as runny nose and nasal congestion.
• Allergic rhinitis may occur as either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute rhinitis is short-term and classified as the common cold, while chronic rhinitis is recurrent, with periods of remission in between. Chronic rhinitis lasts three months or longer.
• There are two types of allergic rhinitis - seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.
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Non-Allergic Types of Rhinitis

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Causes

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Symptoms

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Complications

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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