Non rhinitis

Definition

What is non-allergic rhinitis?

Nonallergic rhinitis is inflammation that occurs on the inside of the nose, but is not caused by allergies. Symptoms associated with nonallergic rhinitis include chronic sneezing or a stuffy, runny nose with no identified allergic reaction.

How common is nonallergic rhinitis?

Nonallergic rhinitis can be found in children and adults, but is more common after the age of 20. Allergic rhinitis is more common than nonallergic rhinitis; however, these two conditions have similar features, forms and treatment. Itchy nose and paroxysmal sneezing are more common in nonallergic rhinitis than allergic rhinitis.

This health condition is very common. This can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis?

If you have nonallergic rhinitis, your symptoms can come and go year round. You can experience constant symptoms, or temporary symptoms. Nonallergic rhinitis signs and symptoms can include:

nasal congestion
runny nose
sneezing
mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)
cough
Nonallergic rhinitis usually does not cause an itchy nose, eyes or throat

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

your symptoms are severe
You experience signs and symptoms that over-the-counter drugs or personal care cannot treat
You experience disturbing side effects from over-the-counter or prescribed medicines for rhinitis

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes nonallergic rhinitis?

The exact cause of nonallergic rhinitis is unknown.

However, experts determined that non-allergic rhinitis occurs on condition that the blood vessels in the nose expand (dilate), filling the lining of the nose with blood and fluid. Several possible abnormal dilation of the blood vessels or inflammation of the nose will be mentioned. The first is that the nerve endings in the nose may be hyper-responsive, considered something akin to the lung reaction in asthma.

There are many reasons for triggering nonallergic rhinitis, which can be a short-term symptom or a chronic problem. Non-allergic rhinitis triggers include:

Environmental or occupational irritant. Dust, smog, cigarette smoke or strong odors, such as perfume, can trigger nonallergic rhinitis.
Changes in the weather. Changes in temperature or humidity can make the lining inside the nose swell and cause a runny or stuffy nose.
Infection. A common cause of nonallergic rhinitis is a viral infection (cold or flu).
Food or drink. Eating can be a cause, especially when eating hot or spicy food. Drinking alcoholic beverages can also cause the lining of the nose to swell, leading to nasal congestion.
Certain drugs. Some medications can cause nonallergic rhinitis. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and high blood pressure (hypertension) medications, such as beta blockers.
Nonallergic rhinitis can also be triggered in some people who suffer from sedatives, antidepressants, oral contraceptives or drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. Excessive use of nasal sprays can create a type of non-allergic rhinitis called rhinitis medicamentosa.
Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstruation, use of oral contraceptives or other hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism have the ability to cause nonallergic rhinitis.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for nonallergic rhinitis?

There are many risk factors for nonallergic rhinitis, including:

Exposure to irritants. If you are exposed to exhaust fumes or tobacco smoke, your risk of developing nonallergic rhinitis can increase.
People over the age of 20. In contrast to allergic rhinitis, which usually appears before age 20 years, often in childhood, nonallergic rhinitis appears after age 20 in most people.
Long-term use of nasal decongestant drops or sprays. Using over-the-counter nasal decongestant drops or sprays (Afrin, Dristan, others) for more than a few days can cause more severe nasal congestion when the decongestant wears off, often called rebound congestion.
Women. Due to hormonal changes, during menstruation and pregnancy, women usually experience more severe nasal congestion.
Occupational exposure to smoke. In some cases, nonallergic rhinitis is triggered by exposure to airborne irritants at work (occupational rhinitis). Some common triggers include building materials, solvents, or other chemicals and fumes from decaying organic matter such as compost.
Have certain health problems. Several chronic health conditions can cause or worsen rhinitis, such as hypothyroidism and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Stress. Some people can develop non-allergic rhinitis by physical or emotional stress.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is nonallergic rhinitis diagnosed?

Nonallergic rhinitis is diagnosed based on your symptoms and is differentiated from other causes, especially allergies. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms.
Several tests can be suggested. There is no specific and definite test used to diagnose nonallergic rhinitis. Your doctor will conclude that your symptoms are due to non-allergic rhinitis if you have nasal congestion, runny nose or postnasal drip.

What are the treatments for nonallergic rhinitis?

Treatment of nonallergic rhinitis depends on how much it bothers you. For mild cases, home remedies and avoiding triggers may be sufficient. For more troublesome symptoms, certain medications can help, including:

Salt spray for the nose. Use an over-the-counter saline spray or home-made brine solution to flush out nasal irritants and help thin mucus and soothe your nasal membranes.
Corticosteroid spray for nose. If decongestants and antihistamines can help control your symptoms, an over-the-counter corticosteroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort) may be prescribed.
Antihistamine spray for nose. While oral antihistamines do not appear to improve nonallergic rhinitis, nasal sprays containing antihistamines can make nonallergic rhinitis symptoms relieved.
Anticholinergic anti-runny spray for nose. The prescription drug ipratropium (Atrovent) is often used as an asthma inhaler. Now, however, nasal sprays can help if a runny nose is your main complaint. Some of the side effects that appear can include nosebleeds and dry inside of the nose.
Oral decongestants. Available over the counter or by prescription. These medicines help constrict blood vessels, reducing congestion in the nose. Possible side effects include high blood pressure, palpitations (palpitations) and restlessness.