Definition

Nonallergic rhinitis means having a drippy nose and sneezing constantly without any obvious reason. It occurs in both children and adults, but it affects mostly people older than 20. The symptoms are very much like the symptoms that appear when a person has allergic rhinitis, but no evident reason for allergy can be identified. The condition is not harmful, but annoying. A lot of things can trigger nonallergic rhinitis, such as: odors, weather changes, medications, foods or chronic medical conditions. If no evident allergic cause is discovered with allergy or blood tests, a nonallergic rhinitis is diagnosed.

 

Symptoms

The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis resemble those that appear due to allergic rhinitis. They can be noticeable from time to time during a whole year, or they can be constant and last for hours or days. They usually are:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy and runny nose
  • Having mucus in the throat

Visit the doctor if the symptoms are persistent and do not disappear for a long time although they have been treated, if they are severe or have any possible side effects.

 

Causes

If the blood vessels in the nose dilate, the nasal passages are filled with blood and fluid and nonallergic rhinitis occurs. The nasal membranes become swollen and blocked.

A lot of things can trigger this condition to occur. The symptoms are sometimes experienced for a short time, but sometimes they cause chronic problems. Some of the triggers are:

  • Weather changes
  • Environmental and occupational irritants
  • Some foods
  • Some drinks
  • Infections
  • Certain medications
  • Hormone changes
  • Stress

 

Risk factors

Factors that make the risk of developing nonallergic rhinitis higher are:

  • Older age than 20-nonallergic rhinitis occurs after the age of 20 in most cases
  • Gender-females are more commonly affected because of hormonal changes during menstrual periods and pregnancies
  • Use of nasal drops and sprays for a long time
  • Exposure to smog, fumes of tobacco smoke
  • Exposure to fumes and chemicals from decomposing organic material at a working place for example
  • Experiencing other health problems such as hypothyroidism and chronic fatigue syndrome

 

Complications

Possible complications can be:

  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Nasal polyps
  • Infections of the middle ear
  • Disruption of the daily activities

 

Treatment

If the case of nonallergic rhinitis is mild, certain home treatments and avoiding the possible triggers can help. If, however, the case causes more annoying symptoms that bother the person too much, some medications can help in relieving the condition. Some of the prescribed medications can be the following sprays and pills:

  • Saline nasal sprays
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays
  • Antihistamine nasal sprays
  • Anti-drip anticholinergic nasal sprays
  • Decongestant nasal sprays
  • Oral decongestants

Some of the following tips can help in relieving the discomfort and symptoms:

  • Rinse your nasal passages using a specially designed squeeze bottle
  • Blow your nose regularly and gently
  • Set up a humidifier in your work or sleep location
  • Drink plenty of water

 

Prevention

It is hard to prevent and avoid any underlying condition that is causing the nonallergic rhinitis. Anyway, the bothersome symptoms can be reduced. A person experiencing a nonallergic rhinitis should:

  • Do not use nasal decongestants more than a few days, because if they are overused it can actually worsen the symptoms
  • Avoid the triggers that possibly provoke the rhinitis what will make a big difference
  • Find a treatment that work better and can reduce or prevent the symptoms better