Seasonal Colds: Viral or Allergic/Non Allergic Rhinitis

Now the season of colds & upper respiratory tract infections have started.Monsoons bring in these fevers & colds.Some people just suffer with recurrent colds & today we talk about the same.

Many people with persistent rhinitis say they have a 'persistent cold'. However, colds are due to virus infections, and normally only last a week or so.

Persistent colds or Rhinitis is not due to an infection. Common symptoms include: sneezing, a blocked or congested nose, a watery discharge ('runny nose'), and an itchy nose. Less common symptoms include: itchy throat, loss of smell, face pain, headache, and itchy and watery red eyes.

What Causes It? 

Allergic rhinitis 

 A common cause of persistent rhinitis is an allergy to house dust mite or to a pet.

House dust mite is a tiny creature that is present in every home. It mainly lives in bedrooms and mattresses, as part of the dust. It usually causes no harm, but some people are allergic to the tiny droppings (faeces) of the mite.
Pets - dander or hairs from a cat, dog, horse, hamster, etc, are the cause of the allergy in some cases.

Other allergies are less common. An allergy to something at work sometimes occurs. For example, to laboratory animals, or to latex or other chemicals. This may be suspected if symptoms ease at weekends or on holidays.Symptoms of allergy in the nose are due to the immune system reacting to the allergen (such as pollen, mite droppings, or dander from a pet). 

Cells in the lining of the nose release histamine and other chemicals when they come into contact with the allergen. This causes inflammation in the nose (rhinitis).

Non-allergic rhinitis 

There is various other causes or 'triggers' for the symptoms. These can cause a rhinitis in their own right, but they can also make symptoms worse if you already have an allergic rhinitis. They include the following.Irritation of the nose by smoke, strong smells, fumes, changes in temperature or humidity.

Hormone changes during pregnancy, puberty, and after the menopause can sometimes cause nose symptoms.
Food and drink - mainly hot, spicy food, or alcohol. Sensitivity to certain food colourings or preservatives may be a cause.
Emotion such as stress can affect the nose.

Medication - a side effect from certain medicines is a rare cause. These include: beta-blocker medicines, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines, the contraceptive pill, and ACE inhibitors (angiotension converting enzyme inhibitors).Other conditions of the nose sometimes cause similar symptoms. For example, nose polyps or chronic (persistent) sinusitis.Are Any Tests Needed?Usually not. Most cases are due to allergy, and the symptoms are usually typical. Treatment is much the same, whatever the cause of the allergy.

Allergy testing may be advised if treatment is not helping, or to confirm the exact cause of an allergy if you want to try and avoid it 

What Is The Treatment?

The commonly used treatment options for allergic rhinitis are: antihistamine tablets, and steroid nose sprays.

Avoiding the cause of the allergy If you can avoid the cause of an allergy, symptoms will stop. This is not as easy as it sounds.If you are allergic to house dust mite, you may find that symptoms are less severe if you reduce the number of mites in your home. This is hard work and involves using bedding covers, and regular cleaning and vacuuming with particular attention to your bedroom and bedclothes. However, it is impossible to keep your home completely clear of house dust mites.
If a pet is the cause, then for some people it is easy to give up the pet. However, for others it would be a great sadness to lose a pet. It may help if you keep pets out of the main living areas, and in particular, out of your bedroom.

How Long Is Treatment Needed For?Persistent rhinitis is an ongoing (chronic) condition that usually needs regular treatment to prevent symptoms. However, over time the condition may ease, and even goes completely in some cases.