Rhinitis occurs when the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages become inflamed, typically after exposure to allergens, irritants, bacteria or viruses. Allergens such as pollen and pet dander cause allergic rhinitis. Irritants such as dust, smog and smoke cause nonallergic rhinitis, and viruses or bacteria cause viral rhinitis. In rare cases, stress, weather changes and certain medications may also cause nonallergic rhinitis. All three types of rhinitis produce similar symptoms, but each one causes a combination of symptoms different from the others. If you suspect you have rhinitis, consult a qualified medical practitioner for treatment advice.
Nonallergic Rhinitis
Nonallergic rhinitis typically causes symptoms that last year-round for hours or days at a time. The most common symptoms associated with nonallergic rhinitis include stuffy nose, runny nose and clear or slightly colored mucus in the throat, also known as post-nasal drip. Nonallergic rhinitis may also cause a persistent cough, facial pain or swelling, fever and an altered sense of smell. Over-the-counter medications may alleviate these symptoms, but MayoClinic.com recommends consulting your doctor if symptoms become severe or do not subside after taking medication.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis causes symptoms that occur in phases. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the first phase occurs within minutes of exposure to allergens and the second phase occurs 4 to 8 hours later. Early phase symptoms include runny nose, sneezing repetitively, itchy or watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat. Symptoms of the later phase include nasal congestion, plugged ears, fatigue, irritability, decrease in attention span, slower thinking and worsened memory, decreased sense of smell or taste, sinus headache and post-nasal drip. In severe cases, sufferers of allergic rhinitis may develop dark circles under the eyes and puffy lower eyelids.
Viral Rhinitis
Viral rhinitis, also known as the common cold, is one of the most infectious illnesses known to man. According to Aetna InteliHealth, approximately 26 million days of school and 23 million days of work are missed every year in the United States due to viral rhinitis. The first symptom to appear is typically a sore throat, which can develop as early as 10 hours after the initial infection. Other symptoms of viral rhinitis that follow a sore throat include runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing. Hoarseness and coughing may also occur, and can last several weeks longer than other symptoms.
