Smoker's Rhinitis
Smoker's Rhinitis
Rhinitis refers to the irritation of nasal mucosa. People who smoke are more at risk of having Rhinitis than those who do not smoke. Rhinitis symptoms are worse in smokers.
If you suffer from Rhinitis it is likely that you use your mouth to breathe which increases your risk of infections and colds.
Types of Rhinitis:
- Acute Rhinitis: symptoms last for less than six weeks and they are usually caused by infections or chemical irritation.
- Chronic Rhinitis: constant symptoms usually caused by many factors and allergies.
Causes of Smoker's Rhinitis
Besides the smoking of cigarette a person my develop Rhinitis as a result of:
- Colds or environmental irritants such as allergens
- Stress
- Infections
- Chemicals
- Temperature changes
- Excessive exercise
Smoker's Rhinitis Symptoms
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the Rhinitis. Symptoms of Rhinitis include the following:
- Runny nose
- Dry mouth and throat
- Itching of the nose and eyes
- A decreased sense of smell and taste
- Frequent or repetitive sneezing
- Plugged ears
- Post Nasal drip
- Sinus Headaches and fatigue
- Dark circles under the eyes
Diagnosis
Your allergist-immunologist may begin by taking a detailed medical history. You may be asked questions about:
- Your work and home environment
- If you have pets
- If you have any allergies
- Family's medical history
- Hobbies
- Exercise patterns
- Eating habits
- How frequent and severe your symptoms are?
These questions may be followed by a skin test.
- Suspected allergen may be applied to the skin and then you wait for a reaction. Results are available immediately and it is relatively easy and inexpensive.
Treatment
There are three treatment options:
- Avoiding irritants and things that you are allergic too
- Medication to relief your symptoms
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
Your allergist-immunologist will recommend treatment options according to the severity, frequency and duration of your symptoms.
The do's and don'ts when following an avoidance treatment.
- Stop smoking
- Use air conditioning and keep windows close
- Do not dry your clothes by hanging them outside
- Avoid being outdoors in the mornings
- Protect yourself with a dusk mask when you work in the garden
Medications
Consult allergists-immunologists before taking any medications for side effects. Rhinitis medications are available in many forms, including:
- Tablets
- Liquids
- Nose sprays
- Eye drops
Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Immunotherapy is a good option for people who are exposed to unavoidable allergens and have side-effects from the medications.
- An immunotherapy treatment is treatment that comes in an injection form.
- The injection contains diluted allergy extracts.
- Allergen effects are lessened by the resistance built by the shot.
- Allergy reaction of the skin can disappear.
- Visible improvements of the immunotherapy occur after a long period of time
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