부산대학교 도서관

The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are similar to those of allergic rhinitis. Approximately 200 million people worldwide suffer from non-allergic rhinitis annually, resulting in high medical expenses. This article introduces the classification of non-allergic rhinitis and its four subtypes. Occupational rhinitis is an inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa caused by a specific working environment. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific; therefore, the diagnosis should focus on evidence of occupational exposure. The mainstay of treatment is avoidance of triggering substances and symptomatic treatment with intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and systemic antihistamines. Chemical rhinitis is caused by exposure to chemical molecules. The diagnosis and treatment are the same as those for occupational rhinitis. Drug-induced rhinitis is an inflammatory response to drugs, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Overuse of topical decongestants such as oxymetazoline can result in rhinitis medicamentosa, a form of drug-induced rhinitis. The treatment of drug-induced rhinitis involves avoiding triggering factors and providing symptomatic treatment. Infectious rhinitis can be divided into viral and bacterial infections, which are difficult to distinguish based on symptoms. The main symptoms of viral rhinitis are a runny nose, nasal congestion, and fever, whereas those of bacterial rhinitis are purulent rhinorrhea, which is sometimes associated with pharyngeal inflammation and neck lymph node enlargement. Viral rhinitis is self-limiting and resolves spontaneously within 4-5 days. However, if rhinitis persists for more than 10 days, it should be treated more aggressively because of the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection. Most guidelines suggest deferring antibiotic treatment for 7-10 days after the onset of symptoms of infectious rhinosinusitis to avoid the overuse of antibiotics.