ear, nose, and throat disorders
Rhinitis
Acute viral rhinitis
Acute viral rhinitis can be caused by a variety of viruses, usually the Common Cold . Symptoms consist of runny nose, sneezing, congestion, postnasal drip, cough, and a low-grade fever. by mouth. These medications, available over the counter, cause the blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane to narrow (constrict). Nasal sprays should be used for only 3 days because after that period of time when the effects of the medications wear off, the mucous membrane often swells even more than before. This phenomenon is called Rhinitis medicamentosa . Antihistamines taken by mouth or as a nasal spray sometimes help control a runny nose, but some cause drowsiness and most cause other problems, especially in older people (see Aging and Medications ). Other medications such as mast-cell stabilizers, some of which also act as antihistamines, can control symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Antibiotics are not effective for acute viral rhinitis. 