Is conjunctivitis related to rhinitis?

In general, conjunctivitis is related to rhinitis. The mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and the eye are connected via the nasolacrimal duct; therefore, patients with rhinitis may develop conjunctivitis. The specific analysis is as follows:

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, various physical and chemical factors, or certain systemic diseases. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by microbial infections, external irritants, or allergic reactions. Because the mucous membranes of the nose and eye are connected through the nasolacrimal duct, patients with rhinitis—especially those with allergic rhinitis—may develop conjunctivitis. These patients may experience symptoms such as redness and swelling of the eyes, tearing, and significant itching. Therefore, there is a clear association between conjunctivitis and rhinitis.

Patients with rhinitis can follow medical advice to use medications such as budesonide inhalation aerosol or mometasone furoate nasal spray for treatment. If conjunctivitis is triggered by rhinitis, patients may also use medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride eye drops or tobramycin eye drops under the guidance of a physician.

If patients experience discomfort symptoms, they are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.