Getting to know

Infectious rhinitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection (common cold, flu etc.). During the first phase of the reaction, symptoms are dominated by pruritus and feeling of burning or dryness inside the nasal cavities. It is followed by watery, and, afterwards, purulent nasal secretions. Nasal obstruction and sneezing are frequent with a loss of the sense of smell (anosmia). A feeling of facial pressure and headaches are also common occurrences during an episode of infectious rhinitis.
This type of rhinitis is frequent and can affect almost the entire population during a seasonal epidemic in autumn or winter. In sensitive patients, it can destabilize a background disease such as asthma or can progress to acute sinusitis.