The diagnosis of pregnancy rhinitis as well as rhinitis medicamentosa is made by history and confirmed by physical examination. In both cases the nasal mucous membranes are congested
- watery rhinorrhea is often present. In rhinitis medicamentosa the nasal mucosa has a reddened, beefy appearance. Rhinitis medicamentosa may be further confirmed by failure of the mucosa to respond to an application of intranasal spray decongestants at the time of the exam
Also sinusitis is in the differential diagnosis of this condtion:
- secondary paranasal sinus infection may coexist or be the presenting complaint. In this case the patient is more acutely ill and the rhinorrhea mucopurulent. This rhinorrhea may be unilateral or bilateral depending on the sinus/sinuses involved
Reference:
- 1) Rambur B. A case study: pregnancy rhinitis and rhinitis medicamentosa.Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 2001;14 (12):527-530.