Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The board-certified experts at Main Line Health can help develop treatments to control and manage your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Rhinitis
What is rhinitis?
Rhinitis is a reaction that happens in the eyes, nose and throat when allergens in the air trigger the release of histamine in the body. Histamine causes itching, swelling, and fluid to build up in the fragile linings of nasal passages, sinuses and eyelids.
There are two types of rhinitis: allergic (seasonal) rhinitis and non-allergic (year-round) rhinitis.
Causes of rhinitis
The most common causes of rhinitis are:
- Pollen given off by trees, grass and weeds
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Cockroach waste
- Animal dander
- Fumes and odors
- Temperature
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medicines and overuse of topical nose sprays
- Changes in the environment
- Smoke
- Certain foods or spices
Who is at risk for rhinitis?
People with asthma are at a higher risk for rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a common problem that may be linked to asthma. However, this link is not fully understood. Experts think that since rhinitis makes it hard to breathe through the nose, it is harder for the nose to work normally. Breathing through the mouth does not warm, filter, or humidify the air before it enters the lungs. This can make asthma symptoms worse.
Controlling asthma may help control allergic rhinitis in some patients.
Symptoms of rhinitis
Symptoms of rhinitis include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose, throat, eyes and ears
- Nosebleeds
- Clear drainage from the nose
- Ear infections that keep coming back
- Snoring
- Breathing through the mouth
- Tiredness
Diagnosis and testing for rhinitis
Most often, the diagnosis is made by your health care provider based on an in-depth history and physical exam. In addition to the above signs, the health care provider may find:
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Creases under the eyes
- Swollen tissues inside the nose
- Mouth breathing
Treatments
Nasal Coblation
Coblation works by delivering radiofrequency to create a plasma at low heat to gently dissolve target tissues when there is nasal congestion or obstruction.
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Board-certified ENT specialists at Main Line Health use advanced techniques to treat ear, nose and throat conditions.