— What is rhinitis and what types of rhinitis are usually distinguished?
Rhinitis, commonly known as a runny nose, is inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It presents with congestion, sneezing, and copious mucus.
There are multiple forms of rhinitis. Broadly, they split into infectious and non-infectious. The non-infectious group includes allergic rhinitis and specific rhinitis. Infectious rhinitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Allergic rhinitis arises when an allergen such as pollen or animal dander triggers symptoms, and it can be linked to specific triggers, including certain medications.
— What is drug-induced rhinitis?
Today, many patients obtain nasal drops without a doctor’s prescription and use them for longer than recommended. Short-term use is typically 3–5 days, but people often overuse them. This pattern can lead to nasal mucosal dryness and a persistent inflammatory state.
– How can this addiction be overcome?
If this is the initial stage, stopping the drops may suffice. In more advanced cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist should be involved to design a comprehensive plan that includes cleaning procedures and appropriate physiotherapy.
— Could cold pills be just as addictive?
It depends on duration, but most individuals tend to control their intake. Addictive use of tablet forms is relatively uncommon among clinicians I have spoken with.
— What other drops exist besides vasoconstrictors?
Most nasal drops aim to reduce swelling and are used as symptomatic relief. Hormonal nasal drops, prescribed for severe allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, contain glucocorticoids that calm inflammation and help normalize blood vessel tone in the nasal mucosa. Non-hormonal anti-allergic drops also constrict vessels and include an anti-allergic component. Dosing follows similar guidelines to vasoconstrictors.
Vasoconstrictor drops vary in potency based on their active ingredients. Some are not recommended for children, such as certain preparations containing naphazoline, which can lead to poisoning requiring hospital care.
— Is poisoning a concern only for children?
Yes. That is why these medicines are not advised for children, though they once were widely used. They are still employed in pediatric care under careful supervision, with strict dosing guidelines. For example, a 0.05% solution may be used by children from age one with one or two drops daily, while a 0.1% solution is generally not appropriate.
However, safety remains paramount and many safer options exist today.
— Do the effects of drops differ?
There are three performance categories: short-acting, longer-acting, and those with the longest duration. Xylometazoline lasts up to six hours and is a short-acting example, while oxymetazoline can work for around 12 hours. The longer the effect, the less frequent the dosing. Instructions provide exact guidance, but it is wise not to self-prescribe, as misuse is common.
— Pharmacies also sell nasal rinses. Can they be used without supervision?
Yes. Nasal washes are helpful for any runny nose. They fall into isotonic (slightly saline) and hypertonic (high-salt) categories. Severe swelling may require a hypertonic rinse to draw fluid from tissues, while milder cases may benefit from isotonic solutions. Correct technique matters, and parents should avoid forceful streams for young children. A gentle approach or a specialized irrigator is advised for children under four. Misuse can risk the eustachian tube and lead to ear infections.
— After the pandemic, some people used saltwater rinses to prevent COVID-19. Do these methods work?
No. Saltwater rinses do not guarantee protection against the virus. They may provide temporary relief, but they do not neutralize infection during a long walk home from public transit. Other measures, including vaccines and proven antivirals when appropriate, remain central to protection.
— Some individuals use menthol, peppermint, or geranium extracts for a runny nose. Do these methods help?
Menthol and mint are not medicines; they may offer temporary distraction. The active agents in effective drops are typically decongestants like xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Pure essential oils can irritate and damage nasal tissue, potentially prolonging healing.
— Do Ayurvedic drops work?
Herbal drops do not cure a runny nose and can contain allergens that worsen allergic rhinitis. Some non-allergic plant-based blends claim benefits, but evidence is limited, and safety varies. It is prudent to rely on proven methods.
— Some people add vitamins to nasal drops, claiming they cross the blood-brain barrier to benefit brain function. Is this true?
No. Vitamins do not reach the brain this way through nasal administration. They are mostly swallowed and absorbed through the digestive tract. While the nasal mucosa can absorb some substances, the amount is insufficient for a therapeutic effect.
— People often skip medical care and delay treating a persistent runny nose. What complications can arise?
Untreated rhinitis can progress to sinusitis, with viral, bacterial, or allergic components contributing to inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Maxillary sinusitis is most common, followed by ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis, and sphenoiditis. Acute and chronic forms exist, and symptoms typically include congestion, mucus discharge, and facial pain. Fever or headaches are common.
— How does one disease progress to another?
The sinuses connect to the nasal cavity through narrow passages. Mucosal swelling can block ventilation, allowing fluid to accumulate and invite inflammation. This is rhinosinusitis. If bacteria join the fluid, antibiotics may be needed, but confirmation of bacterial infection is essential, as signs include persistent purulent discharge or abnormal blood work.
— What complications can arise if rhinosinusitis is left untreated?
Viral rhinitis can evolve into rhinosinusitis, and bacterial activity may follow. This chain can lead to intracranial complications, including meningitis, optic nerve inflammation, and even brain abscesses. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is another serious risk associated with sinusitis.
Getting an early diagnosis is crucial. If a runny nose lasts beyond several days, an ENT consultation is warranted.
— What are the typical signs of these conditions?
Fever, extreme fatigue, and confusion can accompany serious infections. Headache and eye pressure are common, and some patients experience photophobia, odor sensitivity, or altered mental status. Involvement of the temporal lobe may bring tinnitus. Neurologists often diagnose these conditions when patients present with persistent headaches or sinus-related symptoms.
Typically, these conditions demand a mix of approaches: sanitation of the underlying issue, drainage procedures, and careful antibiotic use that crosses the blood-brain barrier when needed. In many cases, endoscopic drainage is performed under local anesthesia. A small opening is created to allow irrigation and drainage, reducing the risk of premature closure.
— How is drainage performed?
The procedure is quick, usually around 30 minutes, and uses an endoscope through the nostrils to wash the affected area. A drain is placed to keep the puncture open and ensure contents flow into the nasal cavity for clearance. Early consultation with a specialist is advised if rhinitis fails to improve within about five days.