Understanding Rhinitis
Florida Gulf Coast Ear Nose & Throat_Hearing
May 23, 2023
Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
What is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an incredibly common condition, affecting more than 20 million adults and more than 7 million children in the United States each year. Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose and is characterized by symptoms resulting from inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Rhinitis is frequently confused with sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus spaces), and most people who think they have sinusitis are really suffering from chronic rhinitis.
Symptoms
Nasal congestion
Difficult breathing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Post-nasal drainage
Itchy nose
Headaches
Description
Rhinitis features inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes, a moist tissue that lines the nasal cavity. The purpose of this membrane is to trap dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses and other particles in a thin fluid called mucus. Tiny hairs called cilia move the particles down the throat. This keeps the air that goes into your lungs clean and free of debris.
When this membrane becomes irritated, it can cause reactions such as thickened mucus, swelling, stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, sneezing and headaches. While rhinitis usually isn’t serious, its symptoms can negatively impact sleeping, exercising, and other daily activities.
Rhinitis can be acute or chronic. Acute rhinitis is temporary, lasting a few days in most people. In others, chronic rhinitis can last weeks or months, and often recurs.
Allergic Rhinitis
Most commonly, rhinitis is caused by an allergen. An allergen is a substance that a person’s immune system recognizes as foreign or dangerous. As a result, the immune system reacts by making a type of antibody (a protein intended to neutralize the foreign substance) called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to defend against the allergen. This reaction leads to the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine. When an allergen is the cause, it is called allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergen that appears at a certain time of the year, such as tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen and mold spores in the fall. Perennial allergic rhinitis can exist year-round from exposure to certain foods and medicines, pets and other animals, and dust mites in carpeting and upholstery.
Southwest Florida is in a tropical climate zone. While allergens here do have seasonal variation, the growing season is 12 months long, making perennial symptoms much more common than in more northern climate zones.
Most commonly, rhinitis is caused by an allergen. An allergen is a substance that a person’s immune system recognizes as foreign or dangerous. As a result, the immune system reacts by making a type of antibody (a protein intended to neutralize the foreign substance) called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to defend against the allergen. This reaction leads to the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine. When an allergen is the cause, it is called allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergen that appears at a certain time of the year, such as tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen and mold spores in the fall. Perennial allergic rhinitis can exist year-round from exposure to certain foods and medicines, pets and other animals, and dust mites in carpeting and upholstery.
Southwest Florida is in a tropical climate zone. While allergens here do have seasonal variation, the growing season is 12 months long, making perennial symptoms much more common than in more northern climate zones.
Evaluation of Rhinitis at Florida Gulf Coast ENT
When you visit Florida Gulf Coast ENT with suspected rhinitis, your physician will ask you about your symptoms, including when they began, the severity, frequency, known triggers, and progression. Your physician will want to know what treatments you’ve tried and if they’ve been successful, and will ask about your medical history and any prior allergy testing, lab testing or imaging.
Your physician will examine the inside of your nose to evaluate the color of your nasal membrane, the amount, color and consistency of mucus, and look for swelling and any abnormalities that could be causing or contributing to your symptoms, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Your physician may perform a nasal endoscopy, which uses a small camera and light to visualize the sinus openings and the back of the nose all the way to the nasopharynx and throat.
Depending on what is seen in the physical exam, additional tests may be performed, such as allergy tests, pulmonary function tests, lab testing, x-rays or CAT scans. Florida Gulf Coast ENT can perform a number of these diagnostic tests in the office for your convenience.
Once a diagnosis of rhinitis is made, your physician will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you reduce or eliminate known causes and triggers and control your symptoms with avoidance measures, environmental control, medications, immunotherapy or surgery.
Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Treatment of allergic rhinitis is based on the type and severity of symptoms, in addition to a person’s age, other medical conditions, daily medications, and overall health. A personalized treatment plan is required to manage allergy problems, as each individual experiences their allergy symptoms differently. Your physician at Florida Gulf Coast ENT can help you determine appropriate treatment.
Initial Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis
Allergy testing with counseling and avoidance of the substances that trigger the allergies.
Nasal irrigation flushes saline (a saltwater solution) through your nasal cavity to remove allergens and excess mucus, and to moisten the mucous membranes. This can be done with a squeeze bottle or with a number of different irrigation devices found at your local pharmacy.
Antihistamines reduce or block histamine, the major inflammatory chemical your body produces in reaction to an allergen. These medications can help with itchiness, runny nose, and sneezing, but are less effective at easing congestion. Antihistamines are available as tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eyedrops. They are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) formulas.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce nasal inflammation and swelling and excess mucus, making it easier to breathe. They also ease congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. They are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) formulas.
Decongestants reduce congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels and nasal tissue. They don’t ease sneezing or itching symptoms. Decongestants are available as tablets, liquids, nasal drops, and nasal sprays. They are available in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) formulas. Some are available without a prescription but must be obtained from behind the pharmacy counter. Decongestants can have adverse effects on blood pressure and heart function. They should be used with caution or under doctor supervision.
Procedural Options for Allergic Rhinitis
Allergy immunotherapy is the best long-term alternative for chronic allergic rhinitis symptoms. There are no procedures that will cure allergies, but some can reduce specific allergic rhinitis symptoms, including improved breathing and decreased sense of congestion. The procedures may reduce sense of ear fullness and pressure, facial pressure, and may reduce nasal drainage. The options include both surgical and less invasive in-office procedures.
Inferior Turbinoplasty
Nasal obstruction is commonly caused by enlargement of structures in the nose called the turbinates. Most people have never heard of the turbinates, but almost everybody has complained about their turbinates numerous times in their life. These structures are full of glandular tissue that can expand like a grape or shrink like a raisin. A very successful and minimally invasive procedure, called a turbinoplasty, removes the glandular tissue from the turbinate, reducing its size, prohibiting further growth, and reducing obstruction in the nasal cavity. The procedure is over 90% successful at improving breathing and nasal congestion, is well-tolerated and performed easily in the office, and has few
Intranasal Ablations
Intranasal ablation procedures work on specific areas of swelling in the nasal cavity to improve the openness of the nasal cavities and sinuses. Ablations decrease the glandular tissue that causes nasal obstruction, congestion, and drainage. Ablations to some of the nasal nerves can decrease the stimulation of the glands to produce mucus, reducing nasal drainage. This works especially well in individuals who frequently feel thin watery drainage running out of their nose, a condition frequently worsened by eating. Some of the most common ablation procedures are known as the Rhinaer and Clarifix procedures. The physicians at Florida Gulf Coast ENT have access to multiple ablation devices that restrictions or risks following the can treat each individual’s needs.
Balloon Sinuplasty
While typically performed specifically for chronic sinusitis, balloon sinuplasty can benefit patients with chronic rhinitis who are prone to more frequent nasal infections. Balloon sinuplasty opens the sinus drainage tracts to allow for better drainage and equalization of pressure. It can be performed safely and easily in the office with minimal post-procedure restrictions or risks.
Rhinoplasty
Typically a cosmetic procedure, some external and cosmetic nasal defects can significantly affect nasal breathing. Florida Gulf Coast ENT has physicians who specialize in rhinoplasty for both functional and cosmetic reasons.
Septoplasty
The nasal septum (the cartilage and bone in the middle of the nose that should divide the nose into two equal halves) is one of the most common reasons for chronic nasal obstruction. As we age, and in response to specific nasal or facial trauma, this cartilage and bone begins to shift away from the center, narrowing the breathing passages. Septoplasty surgery can provide significant improvement in nasal breathing and reduce the number of sinus infections in certain individuals. It is typically performed at a surgery center or hospital under general anesthesia. However, some deviations can be improved with in-office procedures. In-office balloon assisted septoplasty is becoming a more common procedure. It's currently not covered by insurance, but is a less invasive option that can be performed in the office to improve nasal breathing.
NON-ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Non-allergic rhinitis is caused by something other than an allergic reaction. A diagnosis of non-allergic rhinitis is made after an allergic cause is ruled out. Even if you do have allergies, non-allergic rhinitis can develop from other causes, including:
Nasal blockages
Bacterial infections and viruses
Certain medications
Certain foods and beverages, including alcohol
Odors or irritants in the air
Weather or temperature changes
Aging
Hormonal changes or pregnancy
Inflammation or irritation in the nose unrelated to allergy Other health conditions
Treatment of Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Your physician at Florida Gulf Coast ENT can help rule out allergic rhinitis and help determine the cause for non-allergic rhinitis. If a cause can be determined, that trigger should be avoided as much as possible, or treated appropriately if it's another medical condition such as an infection. Often, the cause of non-allergic rhinitis can’t be determined, but your physician can help you control the symptoms. While there are fewer medication options for treating non-allergic rhinitis, there are some office procedures that may help to alleviate the symptoms. The physicians at Florida Gulf Coast ENT have access to all available technologies that might improve breathing and drainage in those who suffer from non-allergic rhinitis.
RELATED CONDITIONS
There are many other conditions that feature symptoms similar to those of rhinitis. These conditions may or may not exist concurrently with rhinitis. It’s important to talk to your physician at Florida Gulf Coast ENT about your symptoms to determine the particular condition and treatment.
Asthma
Sinusitis
Conjunctivitis
Dermatitis
Eustachian tube dysfunction Nasal polyps
Sleep disturbance
- To view the original version of this article visit floridagulfcoastent.com/uploads/RhinitiseReport-sm.pdf
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment is here!
VERY IMPORTANT: Regarding Medicare it is illegal for an insurance agent to call, text, e-mail, knock on your door, hang anything on your door or vehicle or approach you without your consent. If they do ask for their National Producer Number NPN, and you will hear a click and removed from their list. If they dont hang up, get their number and report them to Medicare. There is so much fraud where people are being switched to plans that they never approved or they were miss led. Shop local, do background checks before you give anyone your personal information. You can google them, google reviews, check their Facebook, etc. Make sure that if you are working with someone you can call them personally if you have any questions or concerns. Medicare Annual Enrollment is October 15-December 7th for January 1st, 2027, effective. What can be changed at this time is Medicare Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Part C (Advantage Plans). You should have received your Notification of Change from your current insurance plan. This outlines the current year to the new year changes, as an example if your specialist provider costs $20 now it might say $35 in 2027 (no correlation just an example). Medicare Part C / Advantage Plans, most carriers have raised out of pocket limits and copays along with decreased extra value benefits for 2027. Annually Medicare Advantage Plans make changes. They must all include the same features as Original Medicare but not at the same cost share. They can have a premium, Medical and or Prescription deductible, copays and coinsurance can change. Extra Value such as Vision, Dental, Over the Counter, Part B Give Back, transportation, etc. can all change or be eliminated. Medicare sets the annual in-network out of pocket maximum; in 2026 it is $9,250 for in-network and $13,900 out-of-network services combined (2027 this will increase). However, individual insurance plans may set lower limits. The old saying if it is not broken do not fix it DOES NOT apply to Annual Enrollment. Every year I see many people that have not checked/compared their current plan to what is new. I have saved so many people hundreds and in many cases thousands of dollars. You should be working with a broker that represents many insurance companies. Make sure you check them out, especially if you are going to allow someone in your house. I recommend meeting in their office. For me we represent most insurance carriers in our area and carrying all their literature with me is almost impossible. We use three large screens so that our clients can clearly see and compare the differences between the plans. The minimum information always needed is all your doctors, medications: names, milligrams, and dosage. We load your current plan and then compare it to all the other companies in your area. What companies have all your doctors, the price for your medication normally makes a significant difference. Then the Extra Value is what is most important to you. We do NOT CHARGE for your review and if warranted to change your insurance plan. Ethics is most important and if you are on the best plan we will tell you, plus you can see for yourself. If your plan was CANCELLED/DROPPED for 2027, you have a guaranteed issue into a Medigap/Medicare Supplement. This is huge and very important, know your options!Medicare Seminars they are good for general information. A one-to-one appointment where you can dive into your doctors and medication is best, plus you can then compare other companies in one place. Medicare Part D most insurance carriers have taken away insurance agents ability to help you with your Part D Only drug plans this does not apply to most Advantage plans, standalone drug plans as well as Advantage Plans, you wont have to pay more than $2,400 in out-of-pocket drug costs, which include deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance. It is especially important to check your plans formulary as medication must be in formulary to be capped. 2027 RX deductible will be capped at $715.00. As a reminder the cost of the plan is not as important as the cost plus your medications, that is what you look at, the total cost. It is important to know what the medication is used for to determine if it is covered by the plan. Example Wycovy may be covered but to be covered it must be used for certain heart conditions or diabetes, Medicare does not cover weight lose medications at this time. As a reminder if you choose NOT to ENROLL in a Part D drug plan and in later years you want one you will have to wait for Annual Enrollment and then you will assed a penalty for every month you did not have a drug plan, that penalty will last for the REST OF YOUR LIFE! When you turn 65 you are eligible for Medicare, once you have worked 40 quarters roughly 10 years there is no cost for Medicare Part A. Part A covers Hospitals, Skilled Nursing, Home Health & Hospice. Medicare Part B you can choose to take at 65, or you can hold off if you are still working and have credible coverage. If you do not have group health insurance that is considered qualified, and then you want Medicare you would have a late enrollment penalty for each month you did not have Part B & Part D, and that penalty will last for the rest of your life. Part B covers doctors, imaging, blood work, ambulance, durable medical equipment, etc. Part D is a Medicare Drug Plan and covers medications. During your initial enrollment period it is especially important to understand your options! Medicare Supplements/Medigap Plans are NOT guaranteed issues; you may need to medically qualify. You can purchase a Medigap Plan during your 1st 6 months on Medicare Part B without medical underwriting. There are a lot of things you need to know. Again, work with an agent you can trust! Especially important: when you move you need to know your options. Can you keep the same plan? Do you need to make a change and what does that look like? Logical Insurance Solutions is a SWFL Insurance Broker that works with most of the insurance carriers in your area, we are happy to help you through the maze. We offer Free Medicare Seminars, Personal Appointments & Virtual appointments. Please e-mail [email protected] to register or call 239-362-0855 for dates. Medicares website is www.Medicare.gov. www.Logicalinsurance.com 239-362-0855 [email protected] Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366
Choose Senior Living Before You Have To: Turning a Crisis Into a Choic
One of the most important decisions families can make as their loved one's age is when to begin exploring senior living options. Too often, the conversation doesnt happen until a crisis occursa fall, hospitalization, medication concern, caregiver burnout, or sudden change in care needs.At that point, families may feel overwhelmed and pressured to make a major decision quickly. Instead of choosing what truly feels right, they may simply choose what is immediately available.Senior Living Should Be a ChoiceNot a CrisisPlanning ahead gives seniors and their families something incredibly valuable: time.Time to tour communities.Time to ask questions.Time to compare services and costs.Time to meet the team.Time to understand care options.And most importantly, time for the senior to have a voice in the decision.When the decision is made proactively, seniors can participate in choosing where they want to live, what lifestyle appeals to them, and what is important to their daily happiness and independence.Why Families Choose Springwood CourtAt Springwood Court Assisted Living, we believe the transition to senior living should feel like a new beginningnot a response to an emergency.Our goal is to provide a warm, welcoming environment where residents can receive support while continuing to enjoy the things that make life meaningful.With a tenured, experienced team, 24/7 staff presence, engaging activities, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, outings, and a strong focus on personalized care, Springwood Court strives to create a community where residents feel known, valued, and at home.Our philosophy is simple:The building may be brick and mortar, but the people are what make it a home to thrive! That is why we encourage families to visit us before there is a crisis. Come through the doors. Meet our team. Talk with residents. Ask questions. Learn about our services and how we can support changing needs.Planning Ahead Protects ChoiceExploring senior living early does not mean someone has to move immediately.Sometimes the best first step is simply taking a tour and beginning a conversation. A senior may decide they arent ready todaybut now the family knows their options and has a relationship with a community they trust.That preparation can make an enormous difference when circumstances eventually change.Dont Wait Until There Is No ChoiceA crisis can take away options. Planning creates them.At Springwood Court, we want families to feel comfortable starting the conversation earlywhen there is time to make thoughtful decisions, involve their loved one, and find the right fit.Start the conversation. Take the tour. Ask the questions. Know your options.Because senior living should be about choosing where you want to livenot simply finding somewhere to go when you have nowhere else to turn.Springwood Court Assisted LivingFeel the Difference.The Residents Are Not Our Business. They Are Our Why.
Discover Personalized Senior Living at The Watermark at Marco Island
When it comes to choosing a senior living community, finding the right balance of personalized care, wellness, engaging experiences, and comfort is essential. At The Watermark at Marco Island, residents can enjoy a thoughtfully designed lifestyle in a beautiful setting while receiving support tailored to the way they want to live.A Place to Call Home on Marco IslandLocated at 1170 San Marco Road in Marco Island, Florida, The Watermark at Marco Island offers assisted living and memory care in a welcoming residential environment.The community is designed to provide more than just a place to live. Here, personalized care is complemented by opportunities for wellness, enriching daily experiences, social connection, and chef-prepared dining.For seniors and their families, that means having support available while maintaining independence and enjoying the lifestyle that makes each day meaningful.Personalized Care Designed Around YouEvery resident has unique needs, interests, routines, and preferences. The Watermark at Marco Island takes a personalized approach to care, creating support around the individual rather than expecting residents to fit into a one-size-fits-all model.Whether a senior needs assistance with daily activities or specialized support associated with memory care, the goal is to help residents feel comfortable, confident, and engaged in their surroundings.This thoughtful approach allows families to have greater peace of mind while their loved ones enjoy a community designed around their well-being.Wellness and Enriching ExperiencesLife at The Watermark at Marco Island extends beyond care. The community incorporates holistic wellness and enriching daily experiences designed to encourage residents to remain active, connected, and engaged.Common areas provide opportunities to socialize with friends, participate in activities, enjoy hobbies, or simply relax in a comfortable environment. From a game of pool to sharing a meal or spending time with neighbors, residents have opportunities to make each day their own.The emphasis is on supporting the whole personmind, body, and spirit.Dining Made From ScratchGood food is an important part of a fulfilling lifestyle, and dining at The Watermark at Marco Island is designed to be an enjoyable part of each day.Residents can experience chef-prepared meals made from scratch, offering the opportunity to enjoy delicious food while dining in a social and welcoming environment.Meals can be more than simply meeting nutritional needsthey can provide residents with another opportunity to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the pleasures of everyday life.Comfortable ResidencesThe Watermark at Marco Island offers thoughtfully designed residences intended to provide comfort, privacy, and a sense of home.Bright interiors, comfortable furnishings, and inviting living spaces create an environment where residents can settle in and feel at ease. Families can visit and spend quality time with their loved ones in a setting that feels warm and welcoming.The community's design also provides convenient access to shared spaces where residents can socialize and participate in daily activities.See Your Day HereChoosing senior living is a significant decision, and seeing a community in person can make all the difference. A personal visit allows seniors and their families to experience the environment, explore the residences, learn about available care, and get a better understanding of everyday life at the community.The Watermark at Marco Island invites prospective residents and their families to step inside, tour the residences, and picture what their day could look like here.To schedule a personal visit, call 239-999-4601.The Watermark at Marco Island1170 San Marco RoadMarco Island, FL 34145WatermarkMarcoIsland.com