Vasomotor rhinitis: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is vasomotor rhinitis?

Vasomotor rhinitis, also known as nonallergic rhinitis, is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose.

The mucous membrane is the lining tissue inside the nose that produces mucus or mucus. If the mucous membrane is inflamed, the nose will sneeze, become blocked, and produce more mucus than normal conditions.

Basically, rhinitis is divided into 2 types, namely allergic and non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is usually caused by exposure to allergens, such as dust or animal dander.

In contrast to allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis occurs without a definite cause. Additionally, allergic rhinitis tends to be a seasonal problem, whereas vasomotor rhinitis can usually appear at any time or last throughout the year.

This is not a life threatening condition. The symptoms you feel may be uncomfortable, but they are not serious.

How common is this condition?

Vasomotor rhinitis is a very common nasal disorder. Although it can occur in patients of any age, it generally affects adults over 20 years of age. Women have twice the risk of developing this condition compared to men.

This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis?

Symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis can come and go throughout the year. This means, you can experience these symptoms suddenly at any time.

The following are common symptoms of this condition:

• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• sneezing
• cold
• mucus or phlegm in the throat (postnasal drip)
• cough

What distinguishes non-allergic or vasomotor rhinitis from allergic rhinitis is that this condition is usually not accompanied by itching in the nose, eyes and throat.

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

When should I see a doctor?

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

• Your symptoms are severe
• You experience signs and symptoms that don't go away with over-the-counter medications or home treatments
• You experience the annoying side effects of over-the-counter or prescription medications for nonallergic rhinitis

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Each person's body may react differently.

Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes vasomotor rhinitis?

Vasomotor rhinitis occurs when the blood vessels inside the nose dilate. This enlargement can cause swelling, nasal congestion, and a nose full of mucus.

There's no known cause for the blood vessels inside the nose to swell. However, there are several triggers that are strongly suspected to cause this reaction. The following types of non-allergic rhinitis are based on the trigger:

1. Infectious rhinitis

Infectious rhinitis or viral rhinitis is caused by an infection, such as the common cold. The lining of the nose and throat becomes inflamed when the virus attacks the area. Inflammation triggers mucus production and this causes sneezing and runny nose.

2. Vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis occurs when the blood vessels in the nose are overly sensitive and there is abnormal nerve control. This causes inflammation.

Usually, the contraction and expansion of the blood vessels inside the nose helps control the flow of mucus. If the blood vessels are too sensitive, exposure from the environment can make them enlarge and create excess mucus.

Exposure from the environment can include changes in temperature, exposure to certain chemicals, perfume, cigarette smoke, humidity, spicy food, and even stress.

3. Atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis occurs when the membranes inside the nose (turbines) become thinner and harder, causing the nasal passages to widen and become drier. This condition also makes it easier for bacteria to grow and increases your chances of having a nose job or an infection.

Atrophic rhinitis most often occurs in people who have had multiple nose jobs. This condition can also be a complication of a single operation.

4. Rhinitis medicamentosa

Rhinitis medicamentosa is caused by the use of drugs. Excessive use of nasal decongestants, beta blockers, aspirin, or cocaine causes this condition.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for developing this condition?

There are many risk factors for vasomotor rhinitis, namely:

• Exposure to irritants, such as mist, exhaust fumes, or cigarette smoke.
• Over 20 years of age: Unlike allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis generally affects people over 20 years of age.
• Prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays: using these drugs for more than a few days can cause blockages when the levels of decongestants in the body have been lost, which is often referred to as rebound congestion.
• Female gender: due to hormonal changes, nasal congestion often gets worse during menstruation and pregnancy.
• Having certain health problems: Certain medical conditions can cause or worsen nonallergic rhinitis, such as hypothyroidism and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Emotional or physical stress can trigger vasomotor rhinitis in some people.

Complications

What are the dangers or complications of vasomotor rhinitis?

Generally, this condition will not cause fatal health problems. However, it is possible that vasomotor rhinitis can lead to several complications, such as:

• Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are benign growths of tissue on the walls of the nose or sinuses. This tissue has the potential to clog your nose and interfere with your breathing.
• Sinusitis: nasal congestion due to prolonged rhinitis increases your risk of developing sinusitis, which is an infection of the walls of your sinuses.
• Middle ear infection (otitis media): the build-up of mucus or mucus in the nose can also affect the middle ear, potentially causing infection.

Medicines & Medicines

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

How is this condition diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, your doctor will perform various tests to see if the rhinitis is due to allergies or other causes.

After eliminating other possible causes, your doctor can diagnose vasomotor rhinitis if you experience symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, postnasal drip, and tests for other conditions that don't reveal a cause, such as allergies or sinus problems.

To detect allergy problems, the doctor can perform allergy tests (skin prick test and blood test). Because of the similar symptoms, allergy testing is often recommended to differentiate this condition from allergic rhinitis.

In some cases, a CT scan of the nose and face may also be performed to differentiate this condition from sinusitis or nasal polyps. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis so that the doctor can treat the condition appropriately.

How is vasomotor rhinitis treated?

If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor can give you medicines to help control them. Prescription medications that can be used to treat vasomotor rhinitis include:

• Nasal spray with saline water
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as fluticasone or triamcinolone
• Antihistamine nasal sprays, such as azelastine and olopatadine hydrochloride
• Anticholinergic anti-drip nasal sprays, such as ipratropium
• Oral (drinking) decongestant medications, such as pseudoephedrine.

In some cases, surgery to remove nasal polyps or repair crooked nasal cartilage can help treat this condition. However, surgery is only considered if the above medicines fail to relieve symptoms at all.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat vasomotor rhinitis?

According to the Mayo Clinic, here are ways that can help you deal with vasomotor rhinitis and prevent it from recurring at a later time:

• Avoid your rhinitis triggers. If you recognize what triggers your condition, it's best to avoid it as much as possible. For example, if you are sensitive to street smoke, wear a mask.
• Avoid using decongestant nasal sprays too often.
• Perform the treatment recommended by the doctor properly. In addition, pay attention to whether your condition is getting better or not at all.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.