Bacterial rhinitis is defined as edema and dilatation of the blood vessels (vasodilation) of the nasal mucous membrane, with nasal discharge and nasal obstruction. The condition can be acute or chronic.

The condition may be caused by streptococcal, pneumococcal, or staphylococcal infections. Chronic rhinitis may also occur in syphilis, tuberculosis (TB), rhinoscleroma, rhinosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and leprosy.

The signs and symptoms of the common cold are usually present; acute inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with profuse nasal discharge. There is also nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea, and frequent bleeding. Rhinoscleroma causes progressive nasal obstruction. Bleeding polyps are a symptom of rhinosporidiosis.

Laboratory tests are done to identify the causative bacteria by culture and antibiotic sensitivities.

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms by appropriate antimicrobial drugs with limited usage, no more than seven days, of topical vasoconstrictors, or systemic sympathomimetic amines.

Rhinoscleroma may cause progressive nasal obstruction from inflammatory tissue. There may be repeated episodes that require treatment.

• Consider entitlement to service connection based on presumed exposure to fine particulate matter under 38 CFR 3.320

• None.