Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity, producing symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching, and postnasal drip. It is broadly classified as allergic or non-allergic. Allergic rhinitis results from an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction in whic…
Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity, producing symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching, and postnasal drip. It is broadly classified as allergic or non-allergic. Allergic rhinitis results from an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction in which inhaled allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander trigger the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells, driving the inflammatory response and its characteristic symptoms; it may be seasonal or perennial and frequently coexists with conjunctivitis and asthma as part of a shared airway condition. Non-allergic rhinitis encompasses forms unrelated to specific allergen sensitisation, arising from irritants, infection, hormonal change, medications, or autonomic dysregulation. Diagnosis combines clinical history with allergy testing and adjuncts such as nasal cytology and measurement of nasal nitric oxide to distinguish inflammatory patterns, while validated patient-reported instruments like sinonasal outcome measures quantify symptom burden and treatment response. Drug hypersensitivity, including reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, can also provoke upper-airway inflammation and complicate management. Treatment is directed by type and severity and may include allergen avoidance, intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and, where the inferior turbinates are persistently enlarged, surgical reduction. Because rhinitis affects sleep, concentration, and daily function, accurate classification of its underlying mechanism guides effective, individualised care.
6 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 6 articles above have been cited 2 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Rhinitis, linking to each citing work.