What causes eye swelling in rhinitis?

In general, eye swelling caused by rhinitis may be due to changes in sinus pressure, blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, or sinusitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Sinus Pressure Changes

When rhinitis occurs, the ventilation and drainage of the sinuses are affected, leading to changes in sinus pressure. This can impact the nearby orbital area, causing microcirculatory disturbances in ocular tissues and resulting in periorbital swelling. Nasal saline irrigation may help relieve sinus pressure and improve sinus ventilation.

2. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

In rhinitis, swelling of the nasal mucosa increases secretions, which may block the nasolacrimal duct and impair venous return from the eye, thereby causing eye swelling. Nasal irrigation using physiological saline or specialized solutions can help clean the nasal passages, reduce secretions, and alleviate nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

3. Allergic Reaction

Rhinitis is often accompanied by allergic reactions. When the body is sensitive to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or other substances, blood vessels may dilate and vascular permeability increases, leading to eye swelling, possibly accompanied by symptoms like itching. Treatment may include antihistamines such as cetirizine tablets, budesonide nasal spray, or loratadine tablets, used under a doctor’s advice.

4. Conjunctivitis

When allergens enter the eyes, they can trigger an inflammatory response in the conjunctiva, causing redness and swelling of the eyes, often accompanied by itching and increased discharge. Under medical guidance, medications such as olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, ketotifen eye drops, or loteprednol etabonate eye drops may be used for treatment.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can increase pressure within the sinuses, impairing venous return in the orbit and leading to eye swelling. Symptoms may also include nasal congestion and headache. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as赛洛唑啉 (xylometazoline hydrochloride) nasal spray, ephedrine hydrochloride nasal drops, or metronidazole tablets for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good indoor air circulation, eat a balanced diet, ensure adequate sleep, and alternate cold and warm compresses to promote ocular blood circulation, which can help alleviate symptoms.