Many factors cause chronic rhinitis, defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa for more than four consecutive weeks. According to an article in the "Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology," chronic rhinitis significantly impairs quality of life and adds to direct and indirect costs such as medical expenses and lost productivity due to missed days at work. Early treatment by an allergy specialist can improve the health and quality of life of people with chronic rhinitis.
Allergens
Exposure to perennial allergens, such as pet dander or dust mites in a home, can cause chronic rhinitis, reports the Auckland Allergy Clinic. Unlike hay fever, which is based on seasonal exposure to pollens, people with constant allergic rhinitis are exposed to the substance causing the allergy year round. The best remedy is avoidance, as in removing mold or a pet.
Drugs
Some medications cause chronic rhinitis, reports the "Journal of Clinical Immunology." Common agents include blood pressure tablets such as beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and oral contraceptives. In some people, aspirin and NSAIDS, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, act as triggers for chronic rhinitis.
Irritants
Airborne substances can cause chronic rhinitis, reports the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. These include air pollution, dust, and smoke from wood stoves or cigarettes. Particulate matter in the air can cause chronic rhinitis in people even if they don't have allergies, explains the Auckland Allergy Clinic.
Hypersensitive Response
A common cause of chronic rhinitis is an abnormal hypersensitive response to stimuli of any sort, including dry air, pollutants and alcohol, reports the Auckland Allergy Clinic. This is called vasomotor rhinitis. The many triggers include spicy food, paint fumes and perfume. Emotional stress and even sexual arousal can cause it. Even changes in the atmosphere and invisible particles in the air can bring on vasomotor rhinitis.
Substances at the Job
Airborne substances in the workplace cause chronic rhinitis, reports the "Journal of Clinical Immunology." They can be allergic or nonallergic, and include laboratory animals, wood dusts, chemicals and other irritants. People with occupational rhinitis often have asthma as well.
Hormones
A surprising cause of chronic rhinitis is hormones, including those set off by pregnancy, according to the "Journal of Clinical Immunology." The rhinitis typically appears during the second month of pregnancy and disappears two weeks after the baby is born.
References
- Auckland Allergy Clinic: Vasomotor Rhinitis (AMR) or Idiopathic Non-Allergic Rhinitis. 2003.
- "Journal of Clinical Immunology"; The Diagnosis and Management of Rhinitis: An Updated Practice Parameter; Wallace DV; August 2008
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology"; Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis by an Allergy Specialist Improves Quality of LIfe Outcomes; Bagenstose SE; December 1999
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: Tips to Remember: Rhinitis
