Acute rhinitis is a common medical condition that causes inflammation of the nasal cavity, leading to sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. The IPA phonetic transcription for "acute rhinitis" is /əˈkjuːt raɪˈnaɪtɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh-kyoot" with the stress on the second vowel, and the second syllable is pronounced as "rye-" with stress on the first vowel. The final syllable is pronounced as "nye-tis" with stress on the first vowel. Correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Acute rhinitis refers to a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, causing a range of symptoms related to the nose. Also known as the common cold or acute coryza, it is a common viral infection that affects individuals of all ages.
The symptoms of acute rhinitis typically include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, sore throat, mild headaches, and cough. In some cases, individuals may also experience mild body aches, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. These symptoms usually develop abruptly and tend to progressively improve within one to two weeks.
Acute rhinitis is primarily caused by various kinds of viruses, such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses. The viruses are typically transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs, or by direct contact with these droplets.
Treatment for acute rhinitis focuses on managing the symptoms and aiding the body's natural healing processes. Remedies can include over-the-counter analgesics for reducing fever and alleviating discomfort, antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion and sneezing, nasal decongestant sprays for temporary relief, and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
While acute rhinitis is typically a self-limiting condition and does not require medical intervention, some individuals, such as infants, elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems, may be prone to complications. Hence, it is crucial to closely monitor the progress of the illness and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist beyond the expected timeframe.
Coryza, cold in the head, an acute catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, marked by sneezing, lacrymation, and a profuse secretion of watery mucus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "acute rhinitis" can be broken down into two parts: "acute" and "rhinitis".
The word "acute" comes from the Latin word "acutus", which means "sharp" or "pointed". In medical terminology, "acute" is used to describe a condition that appears suddenly, has a rapid onset, and often lasts for a short period.
The word "rhinitis" is derived from the Greek word "rhī́s" (ῥίς), meaning "nose", and the suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation. Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which can be caused by various factors such as allergies, infections, or irritants.
Therefore, "acute rhinitis" refers to the sudden onset of inflammation in the nasal mucosa.