Can rhinitis be prevented?

There may not be a way for you to prevent your rhinitis. Rhinitis can be difficult to prevent, but there are some measures you can take to help prevent some types of rhinitis. For instance, preventing common cold rhinitis is a question of hygiene: sneeze and cough into tissues, wash your hands, clean home surfaces, don't share drinks or utensils, and avoid close contact with people who have colds.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is difficult to prevent, though research suggests that low childhood exposure to allergens may decrease risk of allergic rhinitis. Reducing your exposure to allergy triggers will help prevent rhinitis, and taking medication before you are exposed to allergens may help.

Rhinitis that isn't caused by allergies may also be prevented by avoiding exposure to triggers like cigarette smoke, using nasal decongestants for only short periods of time, and making sure that your rhinitis treatment is a good fit for you and your symptoms.