What are the symptoms of Rhinitus?

The nose is separated into two passages by a wall of cartilage called the septum. The nasal passages are lined with a membrane that produces a clear liquid called mucus. Mucus is a one of the body's defense systems:

The mucus traps small particles and bacteria, which may enter the nose as a person breathes. The trapped bacteria usually do not cause harm in healthy individuals. However, the bacteria can lead to a daily cycle of congestion and decongestion. When one side of the nose is congested, air passes through the open (decongested) side. The sides alternate between being wide-open and partly or completely blocked.

If the congestion becomes severe or other changes occur that irritate the nasal passage, rhinitis develops. To be diagnosed with rhinitis, the patient must experience at least two of the following symptoms for an hour or more on most days:

• Runny nose
• Obstruction in the nasal passage
• Nasal itching
• Sneezing

These symptoms may occur as a result of colds or environmental irritants, such as allergens, cigarette smoke, chemicals, changes in temperature, stress, exercise, or other factors.

Infectious Rhinitis.
If symptoms last less than 6 weeks, the condition is referred to as acute rhinitis and is usually caused by a cold or infection, or temporary overexposure to environmental chemicals or pollutants.

Chronic Rhinitis.
When rhinitis lasts for a longer period, the condition is called chronic rhinitis. Allergies are often the cause, but structural problems or chronic infections could also be to blame.