Rhinitis, runny nose, sniffles

Overview

A runny nose (rhinitis) is usually the symptom of a cold. Chronic rhinitis can be caused by the persistent inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Allergic rhinitis is a seasonal condition (pollen) or caused by contact with other allergy triggers. Typical symptoms include nasal discharge (mucus) and a blocked nose. General hygiene measures (e.g. washing the hands) can have a preventive effect.

Symptoms

Infectious rhinitis

• Mucus is initially white and watery, and later yellowish, gummy, slimy
• Blocked nasal passages (breathing through the mouth)
• Sneezing
• Reduced sense of smell and taste

Complications

• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Bronchitis

Allergic rhinitis

• Mucus is clear, liquid
• Recurrent violent sneezing
• Severe itching (nose, eyes, throat)
• Red, swollen, burning eyes

Chronic rhinitis

• Whitish, slimy to gummy mucus
• Blocked, swollen nasal passages (breathing through the nose is restricted)
• Mainly breathing through the mouth
• Headache
• Fatigue

Causes and treatment

Cause

• Infectious rhinitis
  • Various viruses, bacteria for secondary infections
• Allergic rhinitis
  • Pollen (seasonal)
  • Animal hair, mould fungi, house dust mites, food
• Medication-induced rhinitis
  • Long-term use of anti-swelling nasal sprays/drops
  • Medication for heart disease, psychotropic drugs and hormone preparations

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Allergy test to identify triggers
• Examination of nose, if necessary

Possible therapies

Infectious rhinitis

• Inhalation with salt water
• Nasal irrigation with salt water
• Anti-swelling nasal sprays (max. 5 days)
• Nasal ointment

Allergic rhinitis

• Avoid allergy triggers
• Nasal irrigation with salt water
• Medication containing cortisone or antihistamines (nasal spray, eye drops - read package inserts)
• Immunotherapy (hyposensitisation)

What can I do myself?

• Nasal care (nasal irrigation, inhalation with salt water, nasal ointment)
• Wash hands regularly / use hand sanitiser
• Only use paper tissues once, then throw away
• Cough and sneeze into the crook of the elbow (not the hand)
• Avoid allergy triggers
• Cool swollen eyes
• Don’t smoke

When to see a doctor?

• Worsening of symptoms (fever, nasal discharge, pain)
• Secondary infection with bacteria: tonsillitis, bronchitis and pneumonia (in the context of infectious rhinitis)
• Allergic rhinitis
  • Symptoms constantly grow worse (adjust treatment)
• Chronic rhinitis: treatment of sinusitis by ear, nose and throat specialist, if necessary
• Medication-induced rhinitis: to change the medication

Further information

Swiss Allergy Centre (Allergiezentrum Schweiz)
www.aha.ch

Synonyms

rhinitis, runny nose, sniffles