How to differentiate between allergic rhinitis and viral rhinitis
Małgorzata Kruk (MPharm)Allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitivity reaction to an allergenic factor (the allergen). It most often appears seasonally (so-called hay fever) and is related to the period when plants pollinate. It also happens that allergic rhinitis appears as a result of contact with dust or acari (mites) which everyone has at home regardless of the season. Allergic rhinitis is usually intensive, watery and is accompanied by other symptoms characteristic of a typical allergic reaction (a redness and stinging of the eyes, sneezing). It requires treatment from a specialist. You can temporarily use lozenges for allergies.
As opposed to allergic rhinitis, viral rhinitis is one of the symptoms of the most common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, namely the well-known common cold. Rhinitis, in the course of the common cold, is watery at the beginning and becomes thicker with time. It is accompanied by other symptoms – sore throat, cough, hoarseness, sometimes also increased body temperature. Treating viral rhinitis consists, above all, of temporary methods to alleviate the course of the infection. You can use complex preparations for the common cold, humidify the air and take preparations to strengthen the body’s immunity.
If you cannot distinguish between allergic and viral rhinitis on your own – consult a specialist who will conduct the relevant tests and suggest an effective pharmacological treatment.
