Rhinitis

Rhinitis is a common issue that most people experience at some point in their lives. It is a condition that typically causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. Rhinitis can be caused by infections, like the common cold or allergies, but can also be triggered by irritants. The condition can be short- or long-term and can occur at any age. When presented in older adults, rhinitis may be called geriatric rhinitis.

Rhinitis is the swelling and inflammation of tissues lining the nose, causing nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose or sneezing. Geriatric rhinitis can also cause nasal dryness and crusting. There are various causes for these symptoms, although they are broadly divided into 3 types: allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis and atrophic rhinitis.

Symptoms of rhinitis may include:

• Nasal blockage or congestion
• Sneezing
• Runny nose or postnasal drainage
• Itchy nose

Geriatric rhinitis may also cause additional symptoms:

• Constant feeling of nasal drainage
• Chronic or uncontrolled need to clear the throat of mucus
• Sense of nasal obstruction, most often while lying down
• Nasal crusting, especially during winter and in patients taking diuretics
• Vague facial pressure
• Decreased sense of smell and taste

Rhinitis may occur before or with a case of sinusitis, a condition where infection or inflammation affects the sinuses. If you have facial pressure, decreased sense of smell or a greenish-yellow nasal drainage, you may also have sinusitis. Contact your provider for evaluation and treatment for your nasal/sinus condition.

Treating rhinitis depends on the specific cause or diagnosis. If there is a specific trigger that can be avoided, this may be a successful treatment.

Often, medications can be used to control symptoms. Depending on the specific cause of the rhinitis symptoms, some of the medications that may be used include:

• Saline nose spray or rinse
• Antihistamines (oral or nose spray)
• Nasal corticosteroids
• Ipratropium nasal spray

There are special considerations in treating rhinitis in elderly patients. Treatment for geriatric patients is based not only on the type of rhinitis, but also on the individual patient’s health, medical history, slower metabolism and increased potential for side effects. As many older adults take medication for multiple conditions, before taking any medication to treat rhinitis, check with your provider on potential adverse drug interactions.

For allergic rhinitis, allergen immunotherapy may be an option. This is most commonly provided via allergy shots, tablets or liquid drops taken under the tongue.

For severe runny nose or nasal obstruction/congestion that does not respond to medications, your provider may consider additional office procedures or surgery appropriate to your situation.