Which symptoms are characteristic of rhinitis?

• A. Stuffed up nose, runny nose, and post-nasal drip
• B. High fever
• C. Severe chest pain
• D. Hearing loss

Answer: (A)

Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which commonly causes nasal congestion, increased nasal discharge, and post-nasal drip. The option that lists a stuffed-up nose, a runny nose, and post-nasal drip captures this typical pattern, reflecting congested nasal passages with mucus production and drainage down the back of the throat.

Fever is more suggestive of a systemic infection such as influenza or sinusitis, not classic rhinitis. Severe chest pain points away from nasal inflammation altogether, and hearing loss isn’t a defining feature of rhinitis (though nasal congestion can sometimes affect ear pressure, it’s not the hallmark symptom).