Vasomotor rhinitis, known as non-allergic rhinitis, is a condition caused by changes in temperature, humidity, odors, smoke, and even emotions and consistent use of medications such as nasal decongestants. The most common symptoms that occur are nasal congestion and watery nasal discharge. They do not appear to be allergic to substances such as pollen or mites, which distinguishes them from allergic rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis does not pose a risk to those who suffer from it, and its treatment lies in prevention, avoiding the substances that trigger the appearance of symptoms. In this FastlyHealarticle we will focus on the symptoms, causes, and treatments of vasomotor rhinitis or nonallergic rhinitis.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis
We should not confuse vasomotor rhinitis with the most common type of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis. Both the causes and the symptoms will vary depending on whether you have one or the other. In the case of allergic rhinitis, the trigger for the symptoms is exposure to mites, mold, dust, or pollen that causes an allergic reaction. To make it clear which are the symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis and so that you can find out which of the two is the one you suffer from, we will explain the symptoms of each one:
Allergic rhinitis
In this case, the symptoms appear in greater quantity when it comes in contact with agents that generate the allergy. The symptoms that can occur are:
- Crying eyes.
- Sneezing
- Itching in the nose, eyes, mouth, and throat, as well as on the skin.
- Decreased smell due to congestion.
- Nasal congestion from accumulated mucus.
Nonallergic rhinitis
It mainly presents two symptoms derived from changes in temperature, exposure to smoke, certain smells, and emotional changes, among others. The symptoms that this type of rhinitis implies are:
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose
- Whistling is caused by the passage of air in areas obstructed by mucus or inflamed.
Causes of nonallergic rhinitis
As we have explained previously, the causes of vasomotor rhinitis are different from those of allergic rhinitis. First of all, allergic rhinitis triggers are agents such as dust, mites, mold, and pollen. In the case of vasomotor rhinitis, the causes that produce the symptoms are the following:
- Temperature changes . The inside of the nose and, precisely, the nostrils are lined with mucosa that prevents the nose from drying out. When we are exposed to changes in temperature, these can be increased, generating excess mucus, a symptom of nonallergic rhinitis.
- Smoke. Tobacco smoke and other substances contain irritants. For this reason, being exposed to these substances generates irritation in the nasal passages. Our body acts by secreting a more significant amount of mucus, which may cause nasal congestion. The same happens with air pollution.
- Medicines . Some medicines, particularly nasal decongestants used in excess, can cause nasal congestion and discharge because these treatments must be used in the short term.
- Emotions . Emotional changes often derived from hormonal changes, which can be accentuated during pregnancy or menopause, could also imply the development of nonallergic rhinitis.
- Spicy foods . Indeed anyone has ever experienced the symptoms when spicy foods such as sauces are ingested. Our body reacts by increasing the watering of the eyes, producing itching in the nose and mouth that leads to an increase in nasal discharge and sweating.
Treatment of vasomotor rhinitis
The treatment against vasomotor rhinitis will be the administration of nasal decongestants that contain an antihistamine that helps calm the symptoms. Also, corticosteroid medications may be effective in some cases of nonallergic rhinitis. Rhinitis can present in an acute form, in which symptoms disappear in a short period, or it can be chronic, whereby symptoms are constantly experienced for months. However, the best way to avoid this type of rhinitis is by preventing it:
- Avoid substances that trigger symptoms, such as tobacco smoke, strong odors, etc.
- Avoid essential temperature changes.
- Avoid those foods that we know are spicy.
- Avoid overuse of nasal decongestants.
The surgery can be performed in cases where a deviation of the nasal septum is responsible for improving the symptoms of the air passage and allowing fluid decongestants to diffuse through the nasal passages.
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 Vasomotor rhinitis: symptoms, causes and treatments, 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.