The non – allergic rhinitis, also called vasomotor rhinitis or idiopathic rhinitis is not caused by an infection or by an allergic reaction but occurs due to some sort of agent external to irritate the nose, such as the case of pollution, tobacco smoke, certain smells, changes in temperature, stress, among others. There is a dilation of the small blood vessels in the nose with a marked inflammation of the nasal mucosa, causing swelling with increased production of secretions and difficulty breathing deeply through the nasal passages. If you want to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment of non-allergic rhinitis in more detail, keep reading this FastlyHealarticle, in which we explain it to you in detail.
Table of Contents
Causes of non-allergic rhinitis
We know the strong relationship of non-allergic rhinitis with specific factors that we call predisposing or triggers for this disease; although they are not shared by all patients, in many cases, we see their association with the disease; among the most prominent are:
- Recurring colds.
- Contamination in the breathed air.
- Very spicy foods.
- Alcohol consumption
- Irritative environmental factors.
- Consumption of certain medications.
- The presence of solid emotions shocks the patient.
Symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis
The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are considered benign; However, they do not endanger the patient’s life; they can be very annoying and alter the quality of daily life of the person, affecting daily activities and even compromising sleep and avoiding a good night’s rest. The most common are the following:
- Nasal congestion with swelling of the mucosa.
- Progressive nasal discharge.
- Postnasal drip can interrupt sleep and cause coughing.
- Wheezing
- Repeated sneezing.
Diagnosis of non-allergic rhinitis
To diagnose non-allergic rhinitis, the patient must consult with a medical professional who will ask questions. They will pretend to know the existence of the triggers above and predisposing factors for suffering from this disease.
It is also appropriate for the doctor to ask about the personal and family history of having suffered from vasomotor rhinitis and the abusive consumption of nasal sprays or pills without a prescription.
We call allergy skin tests daily during allergist visits and help clarify the picture and address each patient.
Frequently, blood tests are also carried out that will be evaluated in the laboratory and specifically seek to quantify Ig-E (Immunoglobulin E) and eosinophils, which are substances of the immune system related to allergic processes in people.
Treatment of non-allergic rhinitis
The treatment of non-allergic rhinitis is mainly based on the early identification of the predisposing factors to suffer from this disease and the symptoms they cause. Once all those that the patient recognizes as triggers or allergens have been identified, the key is to take the necessary precautions during each patient’s daily life to avoid these allergens and, therefore, stay free of the annoying symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis.
As long as it is prescribed by a medical professional, the beneficial effect of using nasal spray decongestants for direct application to the affected area is recognized, and oral antihistamines that help control symptoms. In the following article, you can see good home remedies for nasal congestion.
In addition to this, it is advisable to take specific measures on a day-to-day basis to help prevent this type of rhinitis:
- Avoid being exposed to substances that can trigger symptoms, such as tobacco smoke, dust, etc.
- Do not expose yourself to sudden changes in temperature.
- Avoid the consumption of those foods that are spicy.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Do not use nasal decongestants in excess.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Non-allergic rhinitis: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Ear, Nose and Throat category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.