If you have a watery, runny nose and itching in your nose, you may have rhinitis. Rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting people in the United States. Ten to 30 percent of adults and up to 40 percent of children experience the symptoms of rhinitis. The good news is there are things you can do to help your nose stop dripping.
Rhinitis occurs when the mucous membrane in the nose becomes inflamed. Other symptoms include sneezing and nasal congestion or stuffiness. There are two basic types of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs when something you are allergic to triggers a reaction in your nose and sinuses. Common allergens include:
• Plant pollens
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Animal hair or dander
• Chemicals (including tobacco smoke)
• Foods
• Medicines
• Insect stings or bites
When you encounter something that you are allergic to, your body’s immune system comes to your defense to get rid of whatever is bothering you. The body releases chemicals into your blood that trigger your blood vessels to open up, which in turn causes redness on the skin and swelling in the membranes. It’s this swelling in the mucous membranes in the nose that makes your nose runny and causes sneezing and congestion.
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hayfever, usually happens in spring and summer. About 75 percent of all hayfever sufferers are allergic to ragweed which blooms at this time of year. Allergies in March and April are often due to tree pollens, while mold allergies typically show up in October and November when fallen leaves accumulate on the ground.
• Perennial allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that occurs year round. Common causes are sensitivity to pet hair or dander, mold in the home, houseplants, carpeting, or upholstery.
Treatment for allergic rhinitis
If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis, you can help your doctor identify the cause by keeping track of when your symptoms occur. An allergist can also help determine what you are allergic to by doing an allergy test. The most common allergy test is a skin test, which allows the allergist to place tiny amounts of commonly known allergens on your skin to see which cause a reaction.
Once you know what you are allergic to, you can sometimes help ease your own symptoms by avoiding the allergen. Medications including pills and nasal sprays can also help control itching, sneezing, and runny nose symptoms. If your symptoms are constant, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy. In this treatment, shots are given according to a schedule set up by your allergist in order to decrease your sensitivity to the allergen.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Some people who have rhinitis symptoms do not have allergies. This non-allergic rhinitis usually begins in adulthood and can cause symptoms throughout the year. Irritants including strong odors, pollution, and smoke may cause non-allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis symptoms can also be a side effect of certain medications including some blood pressure medicines, oral contraceptives, or medications for erectile dysfunction. The most common cause of non-allergic rhinitis is prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays.
Treatment for non-allergic rhinitis
Medications can help ease the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. Nasal sprays including corticosteroid sprays can help reduce inflammation in the nose. Decongestant pills can help relieve nasal stuffiness. In cases where there are problems with the structure of the nose, such as narrow drainage passages, a deviated septum , or tumors in the nose, surgery may be the best solution.
There are many treatment options that can relieve the runny and itchy nose symptoms of rhinitis. Contact your doctor to find out what treatment is best for you.
Sources:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
National Institutes of Health Medline Plus