Rhinitis

Rhinitis is irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. It can be caused by:

• Viral - Rhinovirus (most common), RSV, Coronaviruses, Enteroviruses, Adenoviruses

• Bacterial - S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae

• Allergic

It presents with:

• Nasal congestion

• Rinnorhoea

• Allergic conjunctivitis if an allergic cause

Management

Symptomatic relief - Paracetamol, Decongestants

• Decongestants can lead to Tachyphylaxis, which is a sudden decrease in response to a drug after it’s given, therefore higher doses are needed

If an allergic cause:

• Avoiding triggers

• Nasal saline irrigation

• Intranasal or oral anti-histamines

• Intranasal steroids

If a bacterial cause:

• PO Amoxicillin (Clarithromycin if pen allergic/intolerant)