RHINITIS
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Rhinitis is a nonspecific term that
covers infections, allergies, and other disorders whose common
feature is the location of their symptoms. In rhinitis, the mucous
membranes become infected or irritated, producing a discharge,
congestion, and swelling of the tissues. This article describes the
most widespread form of infectious rhinitis, which is the common
cold.
The common cold is the most frequent viral infection in the general
population, causing more absenteeism from school or work than any
other illness. Colds are self-limited, lasting about 3-10 days,
although they are sometimes followed by a bacterial infection.
Children are more susceptible than adults; teenage boys than teenage
girls; and adult women more susceptible than adult men. In the
United States, colds are most frequent during the late fall and
winter. |
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