-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
rhinitis/common cold
Diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
Edema and vasodilatation of the nasal mucous membrane, nasal discharge, and congestion.
etiology:
Rhinitis is the most common expression of an URI. It occurs acutely usually as a result of the common cold; however, other infections may be associated (staph, strep, and pneumococcal). The common cold is due to a number of rhinoviruses as well as a general toxic state in the body that creates favorable conditions for the viruses to replicate and grow. Chronic rhinitis can occur in many conditions, from benign to serious: hay fever and perennial allergic rhinitis; leprosy; syphilis; TB; rhinosclerosis; histoplasmosis, etc.
Types of rhinitis include:
Atrophic rhinitis: This is a chronic condition recognized by an atrophic and sclerotic mucous membrane, crust development, foul odor and patency of the nasal cavities. The patient loses the ability to smell and suffers from recurrent, severe nosebleeds.
Vasomotor rhinitis: This is also a chronic condition recognized by episodic vascular engorgement of the nasal mucous membrane, watery nasal discharge and sneezing. The condition is generally considered idiopathic.
Allergic rhinitis: See "Hayfever".
Perennial allergic rhinitis: The condition is present in the patient throughout the year, although in various degrees of severity. The patient typically complains of chronic nasal congestion and, in children, there is often a loss of hearing. The patients have an allergic history, eosinophilia, and are (+) to testing for multiple common allergens. Patients may have a tendency to develop sinus infections or nasal polyps.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
Nasal discharge: watery, albuminous, yellow, greenish, white, blood-streaked, etc.
Nasal congestion: Can often necessitate mouth-breathing.
Concurrent symptoms may include: sinus pain; epistaxis; sneezing; itching/tearing eyes; or other signs of a common cold (slight sore throat etc.).
lab findings:
Gram stain of discharge.
Nasoscopy.
course and prognosis
For acute bacterial rhinitis, conventional physicians generally prescribe antibiotics. In the allergic chronic conditions, antihistamines are recommended by conventional physicians, as well as allergy shots. Of course, if the rhinitis is due to a serious disease, that disease must be addressed. For rhinitis due to the common cold, treatment mostly designed to clean out the body and strengthen a weakened immune system is extremely beneficial. The nasal discharge should not be suppressed as that is the avenue the body is using to rid itself of accumulated toxins.
differential diagnosis
pneumonia
strep throat
sinusitis
influenza
footnotes