Complications
Can cause insomnia, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and urinary retention and can aggravate underlying cardiac conditions.
Headache and facial pain/pressure are common complaints in chronic rhinitis patients. One study reported nasal congestion in 63% and rhinorrhea in 40% of people with migraine headaches,[52] and another study found that 51% and 43% of patients with allergic rhinitis reported headaches and facial pressure, respectively, during their worst allergy month.[53] Studies also showed that chronic rhinitis and, in particular, the mixed rhinitis subtype are associated with a greater frequency of and disability from migraine headaches.[54]
It remains unknown whether chronic rhinitis causes more frequent and disabling forms of migraine and other headache disorders or whether a migraine phenotype produces symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinitis. Patients who exhibit cranial parasympathetic symptoms (i.e., non-allergic rhinitis and mixed rhinitis) appear to have a more severe clinical headache phenotype. One study has demonstrated a 65% decrease in the severity of headache compared with baseline in patients with non-allergic rhinitis treated with capsaicin nasal spray.[53] A further study reported that the frequency of migraine headache and number of days with migraine-related disability were reduced by 52% and 45%, respectively, in younger patients with allergic rhinitis receiving allergen immunotherapy.[54] Incorrect differentiation of chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinitis from a primary headache disorder can lead to unnecessary repetitive courses of antibiotics.
Should respond to treatment for underlying NAR syndrome. If not, imaging with noncontrast sinus computed tomography to check osteomeatal complex patency is indicated. If sphenoid or ethmoid sinuses are involved, extended courses of antibiotics up to 8 weeks may be required.
Can cause epistaxis and on occasion nasal ulcerations.
Can cause excessive dryness and can aggravate benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Resulting from chronic congestion and may lead to middle ear infections.
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