Sinus rhinitis, or simply runny nose, is a condition that is often associated with colds, allergies, and sinusitis. This is characterized by inflamed mucous membranes, which leads to overproduction of mucus, abnormal mucus drainage, post-nasal drip, and nasal congestion.

Rhinitis may be acute or chronic, depending on the cause. Acute rhinitis is oftentimes caused by virus and other pathogens. This may also appear as a result of the body's response to a specific allergen or irritant.

Meanwhile, chronic rhinitis may appear as a symptom of chronic conditions such as bacterial sinusitis. Runny nose often occurs during the first few days after contact with the bacteria that have caused the inflammation of the sinuses. After which, it is followed with thick, yellowish or greenish discharge, suggesting that bacteria are thriving in the mucus and the infected sinuses.

Chronic rhinitis may also result from cocaine use. Cocaine is notorious for permanently damaging the mucous membranes of the sinuses. Since this drug is often snorted or sniffed, its particles get trapped inside the sinuses and on the mucosal lining, ultimately causing irreparable damage to the mucus-producing capability of this tissue. Impairments in the mucosal lining can lead to uncontrollable rhinitis.

Treatments for Sinus Rhinitis

Fortunately, sinus rhinitis is not only curable, but also preventable. There are many medications, home remedies and alternative therapies that can normalize mucus production in the nose as well as reduce any swelling or inflammation in the sinuses. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Systemic Glucocorticoids – Used widely for reducing nasal inflammation, systemic glucocorticoids are very effective components of steroid therapy. However, its use comes with limitations. Glucocortcoids are not recommended for prolonged use. Side-effects are also known to accompany the use of these products.

Steroid Nasal Sprays – These are considered the first-line treatment for nasal congestion, swelling, inflammation and itching of the sinuses. These work by impeding the series of chemical processes that leads to inflammation. Unlike systemic glucocorticoids, steroid nasal sprays do not pose any risk to the user. These are intended to be used for several weeks.

Systemic/Topical Decongestants – Systemic (taken orally) and topical (applied on the surface of the targeted tissue, usually the skin) are effective in relieving symptoms of rhinitis. Prolonged use is highly discouraged though, since decongestants often produce the rebound effect which makes the user dependent on the medication.

Nasal Rinses and Saltwater Sprays – With the aim of clearing off any debris within the nose and the sinuses and flushing these out from the body, nasal rinses and saltwater sprays have emerged as the two most popular options for unclogging the nose. What makes these solutions very effective? It's the fact that allergens, irritants, dust and mucosal debris are water soluble.

Antihistamine, Antifungal and Antibacterial Medications – Depending on the cause, these medications can provide relief from rhinitis. If you are troubled by allergic rhinitis, antihistamine medications can help you best. For fungal sinusitis patients, you can work out a solution by combining surgical interventions and antifungal medications. Finally, for victims of acute or chronic bacterial sinusitis, antibacterial medications or antibiotics will provide you the best solutions.

Other solutions are available for alleviating rhinitis. These include complementary and alternative medicine-based therapies and homeopathic remedies. To know more about your options, consult your doctor at the first signs of the symptoms.

For more information, please visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/