Neonatal Rhinitis and Respiratory Distress: An Overview of the Current Situation

Neonatal rhinitis is a congenital obstructive condition characterised by mucosal oedema and rhinorrhea. This article investigates the association between respiratory distress and neonatal rhinitis among infants. A literature search was conducted by using several medical literature databases. Articles describing neonatal rhinitis and respiratory distress in neonates were retrieved and searched on the 30th of September, 2023. Nine articles met our inclusion criteria whereby 37 patients were included with ages ranging between 6 hours of life to 6 months. Respiratory distress was found in 54% of children with neonatal rhinitis. The most common cause of neonatal rhinitis was idiopathic, followed by Chlamydia infection, and in 1 patient, neonatal rhinitis ensued secondary to rhinitis. Analysis of the results indicates that neonatal rhinitis causes respiratory distress in infants. It should be considered as a cause of respiratory distress in newborns and managed accordingly.