| The
purpose of the nose is to warm, clean, and humidify the air
you breath. In addition, it helps you to smell and taste.
A normal person will produce about two quarts of fluid each
day (mucus), which aids in keeping the respiratory tract clean
and moist.
Tiny microscopic hairs (cilia) line the surfaces
helping to brush away particles. Eventually this mucus blanket
is moved to the back of the throat where it is unconsciously
swallowed. This entire process is closely regulated by several
body systems.
The nose is divided into two passage ways
by a partition called the septum. Protruding into each breathing
passage are bony projections, called turbinates, which help
to increase the surface area of the inside of the nose.
There are three turbinates on each side of
the nose (inferior, middle, superior). The sinuses are four
paired air filled chambers which empty into the nasal cavity.
Their purpose is not really known.
Rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining
of the nose. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by an itchy/runny
nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Other allergic symptoms
include itchy ears and throat, Eustachian tube problems, red/watery
eyes, cough, fatigue/loss of concentration/lack of energy
from loss of sleep, and headaches or facial tenderness. Rhinitis
can be either acute or chronic.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay
fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air, and sensitive
patients have symptoms during peak times during the year.
Perennial allergic rhinitis, a type of chronic rhinitis is
a year-around problem, and is often caused by indoor allergens,
such as dust and animal dander.
Symptoms tend to occur regardless of the time
of the year. Non-allergic rhinitis (also called vasomotor
rhinitis) occurs in those patients in whom an allergic cause
cannot be identified. Vasomotor rhinitis is thought to occur
because of abnormal regulation of nasal blood flow.
Post-nasal drip is a mucous accumulation in
the back of the nose and throat leading to or giving the sensation
of mucus dripping downward from the back of the nose. Chronic
rhinitis is characterized by persistent irritation and inflammation
of the lining tissues of the nose.
One of the most common characteristics of
chronic rhinitis is post- nasal drip. Post-nasal drip may
lead to chronic sore throat. Post-nasal drip can be caused
by excessive or thick secretions or an impairment in the normal
clearance of mucus from the nose or throat.
Seriousness
of Allergy Rhinitis | Perennial
Allergic Rhinitis |
Relieving
Toddler Nasal Congestion |
Non-Allergic
Rhinitis| Causes
of Allergic rhinitis| Treatment
of Allergic rhinitis|
History
of Allergic rhinitis| Abnormal
production of nasal secretions|
Allergic
Rhinitis in Children|
How
can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?|
What
are rhinitis and post-nasal drip? |
