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Vasomotor rhinitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Nasal mucosa
Nasal mucosa

Alternative Names    Return to top

Rhinitis - non-allergic; Idiopathic rhinitis

Definition    Return to top

Vasomotor rhinitis is a nonallergic condition that causes a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

See also: Rhinitis

Causes    Return to top

Vasomotor rhinitis is not caused by an infection or allergy. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms are triggered by something that irritates the nose, such as a dry atmosphere, air pollution, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions, or certain medications.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and what seems to trigger them.

You will also be asked about your home and work environment. The doctor may look inside your nose and see that the tissues lining the nose are swollen due to inflamed blood vessels.

Blood tests to determine your total serum IgE and total circulating eosinophil count may be ordered.

Treatment    Return to top

The primary treatment is simply avoiding the things that trigger your symptoms.

In some cases, decongestants or a nasal spray containing an antihistamine may help. Corticosteroid nasal sprays may be useful for some forms of vasomotor rhinitis.

References    Return to top

Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Aug:122(2).

Update Date: 1/5/2009

Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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