Vasomotor rhinitis
Rhinitis is a condition that involves a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness. When these symptoms are not caused by hay fever or allergies, the condition is called non-allergic rhinitis. One type of non-allergic rhinitis is called vasomotor rhinitis.
Causes
Vasomotor rhinitis is not caused by an infection or allergy. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms are triggered by something that irritates the nose, such as:
- A dry atmosphere
- Air pollution
- Alcohol
- Certain medications
- Spicy foods
- Strong emotions
Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Sneezing
- Watery nasal drainage (rhinorrhea)
Exams and Tests
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and what seems to trigger them.
You will also be asked about your home and work environment. The doctor may look inside your nose and see that the tissues lining the nose are swollen due to inflamed blood vessels.
Allergy skin tests may be done to rule out allergies as a cause of your symptoms.
Blood tests to determine your total blood levels of IgE (allergic antibody) and total circulating eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell) may be ordered.
Treatment
The primary treatment is simply avoiding the things that trigger your symptoms.
In some cases, decongestants or a nasal spray containing an antihistamine may help. Corticosteroid nasal sprays may be useful for some forms of vasomotor rhinitis.
Alternative Names
Rhinitis - nonallergic; Idiopathic rhinitis; Nonallergic rhinitis
References
Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Aug:122(2).
Update Date: 6/17/2012
Updated by: Stuart I Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
Images
Read More
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
