Viral rhinitis, purulent rhinitis, sinus rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis - the most common types of rhinitis
Małgorzata Kruk (MPharm)
It might seem that rhinitis is a harmless complaint which you can treat on your own using over the counter medications. However, before you use the proper medication for rhinitis you should learn what types of rhinitis there are in order to treat it quickly and effectively. Viral rhinitis, purulent rhinitis, sinus rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis are the most common types of rhinitis.
Viral rhinitis – a frequent symptom of an infection of the upper respiratory tract, namely a typical viral common cold, caused by rhinoviruses. Watery at the beginning, it becomes thicker with time and if there are no complications – passes after approx. 7 days.
Purulent rhinitis – the effect of a bacterial infection of the nasal mucous membrane, initially attacked by viruses. Purulent rhinitis is thick, yellow or green pus. It often has an unpleasant smell. It requires treatment with antibacterial medications.
Sinus rhinitis – one of the symptoms of sinusitis. May be watery, thick or purulent-mucous. Usually, it is accompanied by headaches, disorders of the sense of smell and general discomfort. Sinus rhinitis requires treatment due to the risk of complications from acute sinusitis which can be dangerous to health.
Allergic rhinitis – one of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, arising as a result of the body’s exposure to the seasonal effect of allergens (pollen). Intensive, watery allergic rhinitis can be treated temporarily with antihistamine preparations.
Chronic rhinitis – lasting more than 2-3 weeks, may also be caused by, among others, recurring infections of the respiratory tract, improper structure of the nose (e.g. crooked nasal septum), hormone changes, a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Chronic rhinitis requires a proper diagnosis and specialised treatment.
Viral rhinitis – a frequent symptom of an infection of the upper respiratory tract, namely a typical viral common cold, caused by rhinoviruses. Watery at the beginning, it becomes thicker with time and if there are no complications – passes after approx. 7 days.
Purulent rhinitis – the effect of a bacterial infection of the nasal mucous membrane, initially attacked by viruses. Purulent rhinitis is thick, yellow or green pus. It often has an unpleasant smell. It requires treatment with antibacterial medications.
Sinus rhinitis – one of the symptoms of sinusitis. May be watery, thick or purulent-mucous. Usually, it is accompanied by headaches, disorders of the sense of smell and general discomfort. Sinus rhinitis requires treatment due to the risk of complications from acute sinusitis which can be dangerous to health.
Allergic rhinitis – one of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, arising as a result of the body’s exposure to the seasonal effect of allergens (pollen). Intensive, watery allergic rhinitis can be treated temporarily with antihistamine preparations.
Chronic rhinitis – lasting more than 2-3 weeks, may also be caused by, among others, recurring infections of the respiratory tract, improper structure of the nose (e.g. crooked nasal septum), hormone changes, a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Chronic rhinitis requires a proper diagnosis and specialised treatment.
Read also
Effective treatment for bronchitisEffective methods for treating the common cold in childrenDry and wet coughs in infants and newborns
Bronchitis in children and infants - symptoms and treatmentPneumonia in children - symptomsPneumonia in infants and newborns
Medication for bronchitisWhat are the most common symptoms of bronchitisAllergy to cat's hair, dust and house dust mite
This information is provided for your reference only and it is not to be relied upon on its own as instructions for use of this medication. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Other than liability for death or personal injury arising out of our negligence, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise.
