Rhinitis

In medicine, rhinitis is "inflammation of the nasal mucosa, the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavities."

Classification

• Perennial allergic rhinitis is "inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose similar to that found in hay fever except that symptoms persist throughout the year. The causes are usually air-borne allergens, particularly dusts, feathers, molds, animal fur, etc."
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis is "allergic rhinitis that occurs at the same time every year. It is characterized by acute conjunctivitis with lacrimation and itching, and regarded as an allergic condition triggered by specific allergens."
• Vasomotor rhinitis is "a form of non-allergic rhinitis that is characterized by nasal congestion and posterior pharyngeal drainage."
• Atrophic rhinitis is "a chronic inflammation in which the nasal mucosa gradually changes from a functional to a non-functional lining without mucociliary clearance. It is often accompanied by degradation of the bony turbinates, and the foul-smelling mucus which forms a greenish crust (ozena)"