Final answer:
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, mostly caused by viruses like rhinoviruses, and is a symptom of the common cold. It involves symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. While medications can alleviate symptoms, they do not reduce the disease's intensity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane or lining, mostly caused by viruses and characterized by symptoms such as fever, increased mucous secretions, inflammatory edema of the nasal mucosa, sneezing, and watery eyes is referred to as Rhinitis. Rhinitis is an acute inflammatory response of the nasal cavities often seen in conditions such as the common cold. Viruses like rhinoviruses tend to replicate best in the cooler environment of the nasal cavities at temperatures slightly below the normal body temperature. Colds, which include rhinitis among their symptoms, are marked by excess nasal secretions (runny nose), congestion, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing, but they typically lack the high fever that differentiates them from other viral infections like influenza. Most colds are self-limiting and resolve within 1-2 weeks.
It is important to note that while a number of different cough and cold medications may alleviate symptoms, they do not diminish the intensity of the response. Additionally, because the nasopharynx harbors many opportunistic pathogens, conditions like rhinitis and sinusitis often occur as secondary infections following a viral infection, allowing opportunistic bacteria to establish themselves, leading to complications such as otitis media, pharyngitis, or laryngitis.