Rhinitis
Synopsis of Rhinitis
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, typically resulting in sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip. It can be allergic or non-allergic in origin, and may occur seasonally (due to pollen) or year-round (due to dust, mold, or irritants). Allergic rhinitis involves an immune response to allergens, while non-allergic rhinitis can be triggered by temperature changes, odors, medications, or hormonal shifts. Though not life-threatening, untreated rhinitis can lead to sinus infections, poor sleep, and reduced quality of life.
Types:
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Allergic rhinitis (seasonal/perennial): Caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
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Non-allergic rhinitis: Triggered by irritants, temperature changes, or medications
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Infectious rhinitis: Related to viral infections like the common cold
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Hormonal rhinitis: Common during pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations
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Atrophic rhinitis: Thinning of nasal tissues, often in older adults or after surgery
Common Causes:
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Pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust mites
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Cigarette smoke or strong odors
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Changes in weather or air quality
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Viral respiratory infections
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Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, decongestant overuse)
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Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
Severity Causes:
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Coexisting asthma or sinusitis
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Poor indoor air quality or mold exposure
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Chronic use of nasal sprays (rebound congestion)
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Untreated allergies leading to sinus complications
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Immune imbalance or histamine intolerance
When to See a Doctor:
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Persistent nasal congestion or postnasal drip lasting more than 10 days
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Symptoms interfering with sleep or daily activities
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Nosebleeds or thick, discolored mucus
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Suspected sinus infection, fever, or facial pain
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No improvement with over-the-counter remedies
Natural remedies for Rhinitis
Saline nasal rinse: Clears allergens, mucus, and irritants from nasal passages. Using a neti pot or saline spray can relieve congestion and reduce inflammation.
Quercetin: A natural flavonoid with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. Helps stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine release in allergic rhinitis.
Butterbur (if available in blend): Traditionally used to reduce nasal swelling and allergic response. Shown to be as effective as some antihistamines.
Probiotics: Support gut-immune balance, which is crucial for regulating allergic reactions. Specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus may reduce nasal symptoms.
Vitamin C: A natural antihistamine that supports immune function and reduces inflammation. Helps decrease nasal swelling and mucus production.
Bromelain: An enzyme from pineapple that reduces nasal tissue inflammation and improves sinus drainage.
Chamomile: Calming both systemically and to mucous membranes, chamomile tea or inhalation may ease nasal irritation and allergic response.
Magnesium: Supports immune regulation and may reduce sensitivity to environmental triggers.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Rhinitis
alpha-pinene
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium lactis
black currant
black pepper
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
chamomile
fennel
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lovage
magnesium
purple butterbur root
quercetin
streptococcus thermophilus
vitamin C
zinc
cardamom
malabar nut
inula racemosa
anise
tylophora
Alpinia katsumadai
Anamarrhena
Alpha-Humulene
Ambergris
Ammonium chloride
Asarum heterotropoides
Alpha-pinene
Atractylodes
allyl isothiocyanate
Anise
Acinetobacter lwoffii
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bifidobacterium (various species)
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Batavia cinnamon
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
Beta-pinene
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacteria Blend
Black Pepper
Belamcanda
Chinese Mountain Ant
Chrysanthemum maximum
Cineole
Chinese Quince
Cinidium
Centidepa (unspecified)
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Citrus reticulata
Chinese Pine
Ceylon Spinach
Cambodium Cardamom
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Ephedra
European Elder
English Ivy
Elder
Eucalyptus
Echinacea purpurea
Fang-Feng
Flavor (Natural & Artificial)
Goldthread
gamma-terpinene
gum (unspecified)
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Glycyrrhizinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
Hedychium Spicatum
hydrogen sulfate
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Horehound
Immunoglobulin G
Inula
Ivy (unspecified)
Japanese Apricot
Lactobacillus delbrueckii lactis
Ledebouriella (unspecified)
Linden
Lactobacillus (unspecified)
Licorice
Lo Han Guo
Luo Han Guo
Malabar Nut
Moroccan oregano
Marshmallow
Mangostin
Ma Huang
Mucolase
Nettle (mixed)
Natsudaidai
Night-Blooming Cereus
Oxyephedrine
Orris
Osmanthus
Pear
Peppermint leaf
P. nigraclens (unspecified)
Pinellia Ternata
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
Pimpinella (unspecified)
Petasines
Platycodon
Phellodendron Bark
Pinellia
Probiotic (unspecified)
Phleum Pratense
Radish
Ragweed
Ravinsara
Sabadilla
Sinigrin
Sweet Bay
Sedanenolide
Visnea Mocanera
Vladimiria souliei
White Mustard
