Title |
Rhinitis Medicamentosa
|
---|---|
Published in |
Treatments in Respiratory Medicine, August 2012
|
DOI | 10.2165/00151829-200504010-00003 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Peter Graf |
Abstract |
Rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) is a drug-induced, nonallergic form of rhinitis that is associated with prolonged use of topical vasoconstrictors, i.e. local decongestants. Symptoms are exacerbated by the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BKC) in the nasal preparations. Nasal stuffiness is caused by rebound swelling of the mucosa when the decongestive effect of the drug has disappeared. To alleviate this symptom, patients gradually start using larger doses of the vasoconstrictor more frequently. In many cases, the patient is unaware of the condition, thus entering a vicious circle of self-treatment. Careful questioning is required during consultation to establish diagnosis. The pathophysiology of the condition is unclear; however, vasodilatation and intravascular edema have both been implicated. Management of RM requires withdrawal of topical decongestants to allow the damaged nasal mucosa to recover, followed by treatment of the underlying nasal disease. Topical corticosteroids such as budesonide and fluticasone propionate should be used to alleviate rebound swelling of the nasal mucosa. Where possible, avoiding exposure to BKC is recommended. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 23 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Bachelor | 3 | 13% |
Other | 2 | 9% |
Unspecified | 1 | 4% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 1 | 4% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 1 | 4% |
Other | 2 | 9% |
Unknown | 13 | 57% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 5 | 22% |
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 2 | 9% |
Unspecified | 1 | 4% |
Social Sciences | 1 | 4% |
Psychology | 1 | 4% |
Other | 0 | 0% |
Unknown | 13 | 57% |