Hypertrophic rhinitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Hypertrophic rhinitis is not just a simple blocked nose, it is a serious medical condition where inflammation of the nasal mucosa causes a noticeable nasal obstruction, often on one side but which can vary.

Unlike allergic rhinitis or infectious rhinitis, which can be triggered by allergens or infections, hypertrophic rhinitis is characterised by persistent congestion that can greatly affect quality of life.

Symptoms include:

💊 difficulty breathing through the nose,

💊 frequent sneezing,

💊 sometimes a loss of smell.

This condition can be exacerbated by factors such as:

💊 pollution,

💊 excessive use of nasal sprays.

Key Points	Summary
Hypertrophic Rhinitis	A serious medical condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes causing significant obstruction.
Symptoms	Difficulty breathing, frequent sneezing, loss of smell, headaches, alteration of taste.
Causes	Pollution, excessive use of nasal sprays, physiological conditions such as pregnancy, respiratory pathologies such as asthma.
Treatment	Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, surgical interventions, Back2Sleep intranasal orthotic.
Living with Hypertrophic Rhinitis	Maintain good nasal hygiene, manage allergens, regularly consult an ENT specialist, lifestyle adjustments.

What are the symptoms of hypertrophic rhinitis?

Nasal obstruction

The most obvious symptom of hypertrophic rhinitis is nasal obstruction, which can be:

💊 bilateral (affecting both nostrils),

💊 unilateral (affecting one nostril only).

This obstruction makes it difficult to breathe through the nose, often forcing people to breathe through the mouth, which can lead to other complications such as dry mouth.

Runny nose and rhinorrhoea

Nasal discharge, often accompanied by mucus, is common.

The rhinorrhoea or nasal discharge, can be clear or purulent, depending on the underlying infection, and contributes to general discomfort.

Frequent sneezing

Sneezing attacks are an irritative response of the nasal passages, exacerbated by inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

These sneezes can occur with varying frequency and intensity, often unpredictably.

Itchy nose and eyes

Itching in the nose and around the eyes is common, especially if hypertrophic rhinitis is linked to an allergy.

This itching may be accompanied by watering and redness of the eyes, increasing the feeling of discomfort.

Headaches and migraines

Headaches and migraines can occur as a result of the constant pressure caused by nasal congestion.

These pains are often localised around the sinuses and can worsen with changes in position or during the night.

Impaired sense of taste and smell

Inflammation and obstruction of the nasal passages can lead to a reduction or loss of the sense of smell (anosmia), which also affects the sense of taste.

This can reduce appetite and affect quality of life.

Complications such as pharyngitis or laryngitis

In the case of infectious rhinitis, complications such as pharyngitis or laryngitis can occur, often accompanied by fever and a feeling of general malaise.

What are the causes of hypertrophic rhinitis?

Pollution and environmental irritants

Air pollution, particularly exhaust fumes and industrial fumes, can irritate the nasal mucosa and contribute to chronic inflammation of the nasal turbinates.

Similarly, tobacco smoke is a powerful irritant that can exacerbate or trigger hypertrophic rhinitis.

Excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays

Prolonged use of nasal sprays containing vasoconstrictors can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa, aggravating inflammation of the nasal mucosa and contributing to hypertrophic rhinitis.

This phenomenon is known as rebound rhinitis.

Particular physiological conditions

Certain physiological conditions, such as pregnancy, can predispose to hypertrophic rhinitis.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase the tendency for the nasal mucosa to become inflamed, leading to more frequent nasal obstruction.

Associated respiratory pathologies

Conditions such as:

💊 asthma,

💊 cystic fibrosis.

They may also predispose to hypertrophic rhinitis.

These chronic respiratory pathologies can influence and aggravate the inflammatory state of the nasal passages.

What are the treatment options for hypertrophic rhinitis?

Medical treatment

Medical treatment is often the first line of defence against hypertrophic rhinitis.

It may include:

💊  antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions,

💊  nasal corticoids to reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa,

💊  decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.

These medicines can be taken orally or nasally, depending on the patient's symptoms and preferences.

⚠ It is important to consult a doctor for a precise diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.

Surgical procedures

When drug treatment is not sufficient to control symptoms, surgery may be considered.

These operations, such as radiofrequency or laser turbinoplasty, aim to reduce the size of the tissues of the nasal mucosa and improve breathing.

Surgery is generally considered an option for severe cases or when structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, contribute to nasal obstruction.

The Back2Sleep intranasal orthosis

An innovative option for the treatment of hypertrophic rhinitis is the use of the intranasal orthosis by Back2Sleep.

This brace, designed to maintain adequate nasal breathing during sleep, can help reduce symptoms of nasal congestion and improve sleep quality.

Although less conventional, this solution can be particularly useful for people suffering from hypertrophic rhinitis associated with sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnoea.

How do you live with hypertrophic rhinitis?

Adopting good nasal hygiene

One of the first steps in living with hypertrophic rhinitis is to maintain good nasal hygiene.

This includes regular washing of the nose with saline solution to help reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes and clear blocked nasal passages.

Using saline nasal sprays can also help to moisten the nostrils and relieve dryness.

Read also "Treating hypertrophic rhinitis".

Managing environmental allergens

If your hypertrophic rhinitis is exacerbated by allergies, it is important to minimise exposure to common allergens such as:

💊 dust,

💊 dust mites,

💊 pollen,

💊 animal hair.

This may involve changes to home maintenance, such as using air purifiers, washing sheets regularly in hot water, and avoiding carpets and curtains that trap dust.

See an ENT specialist regularly

Regular follow-up with an ENT specialist is essential for people suffering from hypertrophic rhinitis.

The ENT specialist can:

💊 adjust treatments,

💊 prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as nasal corticoids,

💊 recommend surgery if necessary to improve nasal breathing.

Lifestyle adaptations

Lifestyle adaptations can also play a role in the management of hypertrophic rhinitis.

This can include:

💊 avoid smoky or polluted environments,

💊 use a humidifier in the bedroom to maintain air humidity,

💊 practise relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which can sometimes make symptoms worse.

FAQ on hypertrophic rhinitis

Is hypertrophic rhinitis hereditary?

Hypertrophic rhinitis as such is not directly hereditary, but certain factors that contribute to its development may be.

🔎 For example, genetic predisposition to allergies or other inflammatory conditions can increase the risk of developing hypertrophic rhinitis.

However, there is no direct evidence that hypertrophic rhinitis runs in families.

Can hypertrophic rhinitis be prevented?

Preventing hypertrophic rhinitis can be complex, especially if it is linked to persistent genetic or environmental factors.

However, certain measures can help reduce the risk or minimise symptoms:

• Avoid known irritants: if you are sensitive to pollution, tobacco smoke or other irritants, limiting your exposure can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Allergen control: for those with an allergic component, controlling allergens in the environment, such as dust mites, animal hair and moulds, can be beneficial.
• Maintaining good nasal hygiene: regular use of nasal washes with saline solutions can help keep nasal passages clear and reduce mucus build-up.
• Regular medical consultation: regular follow-up with an ENT specialist can help to manage symptoms and adjust treatment if necessary.