Can rhinitis cause fever and cough?

In general, rhinitis may, under certain circumstances, cause fever and cough.

Acute rhinitis is usually caused by viral infections and develops rapidly. When the infection is severe, the body's immune system reacts to the virus, causing an increase in body temperature and resulting in fever. If secondary infections associated with rhinitis are not treated promptly, the inflammation may spread to adjacent organs such as the sinuses, middle ear, or lower respiratory tract, leading to conditions like sinusitis, otitis media, or bronchitis. These secondary infections can cause fever.

Patients with rhinitis often experience increased nasal secretions, with mucus potentially draining posteriorly into the throat, irritating the mucous membranes of the pharynx and causing coughing. This type of cough is also known as "postnasal drip syndrome." Inflammatory mediators produced during rhinitis may irritate the mucous membranes of the throat and trachea, leading to coughing. If the inflammation spreads to the lower respiratory tract, rhinitis can cause bronchitis or pneumonia, resulting in coughing.

It is recommended that individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever and cough seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Based on the diagnostic results, appropriate treatments such as anti-infective, anti-allergic, or anti-inflammatory therapies should be adopted. Antipyretics and cough suppressants may be used to alleviate symptoms, but medication should be taken according to medical advice. Additionally, during treatment, patients should maintain a clean and hygienic environment and follow a light diet to help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.