Healthy Living and Fitness

Illness Care: Rhinitis

Introduction

Rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose.

The purpose of the nose is to warm, clean, and humidify the air you breath. In addition, it helps you to smell and taste. Fluid called mucus is produced which aids in keeping the respiratory tract clean and moist. Tiny microscopic hairs (cilia) line the surfaces helping to brush away particles. Eventually this mucus blanket is moved to the back of the throat where it is unconsciously swallowed. This entire process is closely regulated by several body systems.

The nose is divided into two passageways by a partition called the septum. Protruding into each breathing passage are bony projections, called turbinates, which help to increase the surface area of the inside of the nose. There are three turbinates on each side of the nose (inferior, middle, superior). The sinuses are four paired air filled chambers which empty into the nasal cavity. Their purpose is not really known.

 

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