What does rhinitis mean?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the nose. It can cause congestion, excessive nasal discharge, sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing through the nose. The condition may be acute or chronic and can result from allergies, viral infections, irritants, or other non-allergic triggers. Allergic rhinitis is especially common and is often associated with hay fever, although the terms are not wholly interchangeable: hay fever describes the broader allergic response, while rhinitis names the inflammation within the nose. Doctors distinguish rhinitis from sinusitis, which affects the sinuses rather than the nasal lining. Although “rhinitis” can occur in general conversation, it remains chiefly a clinical term and is less familiar than expressions such as “nasal congestion” or “runny nose.” Its Greek-derived name accurately reflects its meaning: “rhis” means nose, and the suffix “-itis” denotes inflammation.
nounInflammation of the lining of the nose, often producing congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, or obstruction. It may be acute, chronic, allergic, or non-allergic.
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose, characterized by symptoms such as congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, or reduced airflow.
"Dust exposure aggravated her chronic rhinitis and left her congested for several days."
"Pollen triggered severe rhinitis, making it difficult for him to sleep."
"The clinician diagnosed persistent rhinitis after examining the patient's irritated nasal passages."
"Cold-air-induced rhinitis caused her nose to run and feel blocked whenever she went outside."
The plural is grammatically correct but uncommon; singular usage is generally preferred when discussing the condition or its types.
"The study compared the symptoms of acute rhinitis and chronic rhinitis in two groups of patients."
Rhinitis is literally an inflammation of the nose: its name combines the Greek word for “nose” with the medical suffix meaning “inflammation.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rhinitis come from?
Rhinitis was formed in medical Latin from Greek rhís, with the genitive rhinós, meaning “nose,” and the medical suffix -itis, meaning “inflammation.” The Greek combining form rhino- also appears in modern English words such as rhinology, rhinoplasty, and rhinorrhea, all of which relate to the nose or nasal structures.
Related word forms
How rhinitis is actually used
This is primarily a medical term used in clinical diagnosis and health-care contexts. It is more specific than a general reference to a stuffy or runny nose, and the particular type is often identified by a modifier.
Easily confused with rhinitis
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining, whereas sinusitis is inflammation of the tissue lining one or more of the paranasal sinuses.