The Asthma Center

Rhinitis with systemic disease

Rhinitis may occur as a result of multiple systemic diseases including:

  • Thyroid disease
  • Migraine
  • Kidney failure
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Wegener granulomatosis
  • Sjogren syndrome
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Relapsing polychondritis
  • Midline granuloma

The most notable association is with thyroid disease. Clinical studies have shown nasal congestion in up to 64% of individuals with hypothyroidism, and complaints of excessive nasal discharge and recurrent colds have been noted in up to 55% of individuals with hypothyroidism.

Chronic nasal symptoms can be caused by a variety of unusual infections including:

  • Tuberculosis
  • Syphilis
  • Leprosy
  • Sporotrichosis
  • Blastomycocis
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Coccidioidomycocis

These infections usually cause nasal ulcers and related crust formations which lead to nasal blockage and/or bleeding.

To treat the nasal symptoms associated with these conditions, it is important to treat the underlying disorder. In some circumstances nasal biopsies may be required to make a proper diagnosis.