Rhinitis, stuffy nose, MSN

 Rhinitis, stuffy nose, MSN 

Definition
It is the inflammation of nasal mucosa membrane. It may develop due to allergy, cold or due to flu.


Types
1. Allergic rhinitis
2. Acute rhinitis
3. Vasomoter rhinitis
4. Medicamentosa

1. Allergic rhinitis
It may be seasonal, and usually occurs as an acute response to a specific antigen.

Causes
Pollen, grass, trees, flowers etc.

2. Acute rhinitis (also known as coryza) common cold
• Rhinovirus
• adenovirus
• influenza virus.

3. Vasomoter rhinitis (chronic idiopathic or non allergic rhinitis)
An abnormally of parasympathetic nervous activity

Causes
• Tumours
• granulomatous
• Septal deviation
• Nasal polyps
• Tuberculosis (T.B)

4. Medicamentosa (due to abused or over use of topical agent) such as afrin and neosynephrine nasal sprays.

Signs and symptoms
• Rhinorrhea
• Fever
• Cold
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Redness
• Malaise
• Fatigue

Complications
• Serous otitis media
• Sinus infection
• Nasal polyps

Diagnostic evaluation
• Allergy testing
• By signs and symptoms
• Rhinoscopy
• Nasal smear
• Culture of nasal drainage

Medical management
• Antimicrobial agents for infections
• Antihistamines chloropheremine, cetrizine
• Anticholinergics
• Corticosteroids (systemic/topical)
• Decongestants (reduces nasal congestion) eg. Xylometazoline (nasal drops)
• Analgesics

Nursing management
• Instruct the patient for proper administration of medication
• Instruct the patient for blowing the nose before applying medication.
• Instruct the patient to avoid allergens.

Nursing diagnosis
1. Ineffective breathing pattern related to nasal obstruction.
2. Risk for infection related to rhinitis.