Sometimes you also have a stuffy nose, a runny nose, right? You sneeze, and your throat feels like it's blocked. Many people think this is an allergy to dust or something. But that's not always true. Sometimes this is caused by a condition called Vasomotor Rhinitis, which we're talking about today. Let's see what this is.
What is Vasomotor Rhinitis?
Simply put, Vasomotor Rhinitis is a condition in which the tissues inside your nose become swollen. This swelling causes a stuffy, runny nose. These symptoms are very similar to those of allergic rhinitis.
But the biggest difference here is that this condition is not allergic . That is, it is not caused by things like pollen, dust, mold, or animal dander. It is also not a disease caused by germs like viruses or bacteria. So what causes it? It is caused by changes in the weather, strong smells, spicy foods, exercise, and other things that irritate your nose, such as certain medications. This is also called idiopathic rhinitis.
Who is most likely to develop this condition?
This condition can develop at any age, but it is most common after the age of 20. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 60. It has also been found to be more common in women than in men.
What causes Vasomotor Rhinitis?
Since there is no single cause like an allergy, there are many possible causes. Some people are more sensitive to these things than others. Below are some of the main reasons why your nose may be blocked and runny.
| Possible Triggers | Examples |
|---|---|
| Changes in the environment |
|
| Some medications | |
| Hormonal changes |
The most important thing is to pay a little attention to when and why your symptoms occur. Then it will be easier to find the cause.
What are the symptoms of this?
Allergies can only occur during certain seasons. However, the symptoms of Vasomotor Rhinitis can usually be present throughout the year. This means that these symptoms will appear if you are exposed to one of the above-mentioned factors.
The main symptoms are these:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Sneezing
- Decreased sense of smell
Very rarely, some people may develop a foul-smelling crust inside their nose. This may bleed if you try to remove it.
Is this a contagious disease?
No. Because it is not caused by a virus, it is not contagious . You cannot catch it or give it to someone else.
How does a doctor recognize this?
When you see a doctor, he or she will examine your nose and throat. He or she will also ask you about your symptoms and when they occur. Often, this information alone can help you identify the disease.
But sometimes, further tests may be needed to confirm that the cause is not an allergy.
- Allergy testing: These tests are done to determine if your symptoms are caused by an allergy. This may be a skin prick test or a blood test.
- Nasal endoscopy: Sometimes the doctor will insert a thin tube with a camera into the nose to check for other problems, such as nasal polyps.
- CT scan: This can be used to check for abnormalities inside the nose, such as a deviated septum.
- Nasal inspiratory flow test: This measures how much air goes in through your nose when you breathe in. This can help determine if there is any nasal obstruction.
What are the treatments for this?
There is no way to completely cure Vasomotor Rhinitis, but the symptoms can be very well controlled .
Treatment starts with staying as far away from the cause of your symptoms as possible. For example, if you're experiencing this because of a strong perfume, it's best to avoid using it.
But if you can't always stay away from the cause, these things can help control symptoms:
- Using a humidifier at home or at work.
- Nasal irrigation with a saline solution. This helps clean the inside of the nose and reduce swelling.
If these things don't control your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe medication, most often a nasal spray.
- Decongestant nasal sprays: These quickly relieve nasal congestion.
- Antihistamine nasal sprays: These help reduce swelling inside the nose.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: A commonly recommended and very effective treatment for nasal congestion.
- Anticholinergic nasal sprays: These help stop a runny nose.
Remember, you should always consult your doctor before using any of these medications. He or she will be the one who will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
If medication is not enough, or if there is another problem, such as nasal polyps, surgery may be recommended.
What complications can occur if left untreated?
Although this is not a dangerous disease, some complications can occur if left untreated.
- Middle ear infections
- Sinus infection (Sinusitis)
- Nasal polyps
- Sleep disturbance and feeling tired all day
- Difficulty concentrating on work
- Frequent anger
Therefore, if you have symptoms, it is very important to see a doctor without ignoring them.
Take-Home Message
- Vasomotor rhinitis is not an allergy, so allergy medications don't always work for it.
- This is not caused by things like pollen or dust, but by things like weather, strong odors, food, and certain medications.
- By paying attention to when your symptoms occur, it's easier to find the cause.
- If symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose persist, do not ignore it and definitely see a doctor.
- Do not self-medicate without medical advice. It is very important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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