ABSTRACT
Hay fever Secondary to inhaled allergens (pollen, dust,
houseplants, foods, and mites)
Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, watery rhinorrhea, and facial fullness
Treatment: desensitization and avoidance; antihistamines; steroid sprays; decongestant sprays (e.g., oxymetozalone)
3. Vasomotor rhinitis:
Paroxysmal attacks of nasal congestion and profuse clear rhinorrhea secondary to nonspecific reflex hyperactivity of the nasal mucosa parasympathetic nerves
Symptoms resolve within hours
4. Rhinitis of pregnancy:
Nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea occurring in second and third trimesters
5. Rhinitis medicamentosa:
Rebound mucosal edema and nasal congestion from prolonged abuse of over-thecounter nasal sprays (e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine)
Treatment: stop offending spray; intranasal or systemic steroids
B. Foreign Body
1. Unilateral nasal obstruction and purulent rhinorrhea.
