Non Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Treatments

Non Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Treatments 

Nonallergic rhinitis is a medical condition characterized by a drippy or congested nose. It is similar to hay fever in some respects, but unlike the latter there’s no allergic reaction here. Nonallergic rhinitis can affect adults and children, but the condition is more common among individuals over 20.

Symptoms

Nonallergic rhinitis isn’t dangerous, but it’s annoying, and symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose can get in the way of your daily routine. Most people suffering from nonallergic rhinitis also have phlegm, but unlike hay fever, there’s no itchiness around the eyes or sore throat.

Causes

Nonallergic rhinitis is triggered by irritants in the air, certain odors, medications or food. Since there are many possible causes, an ENT has to conduct a diagnosis to determine the culprit, so blood and skin allergy tests may have to be performed.

Nonallergic rhinitis takes place when the blood vessels in your nose dilate, filling your nasal lining with liquid and blood. Any of the conditions stated above may cause dilation, but regardless of the trigger, the result will always be congestion and swelling of the nasal membranes. Some of the symptoms may be short lived while others may result in chronic problems.

Prevention

To prevent nonallergic rhinitis, the triggers have to be identified so you can take steps to avoid it. Common causes are perfumes, fog, smoke, exhaust fumes and changes in the weather. In addition, cold, flu and other viral infections might trigger the condition too. Apart from those, you should avoid overusing nasal decongestants as they make the symptoms worse over time.

Nonallergic rhinitis might also be triggered by the food you eat, in particular spicy foods. If you notice that your rhinitis occurs shortly after eating these foods, you should reduce your intake, or stop eating them altogether until you have consulted a specialist for ENT services and treatment. It should be stressed that triggers are not limited to food as beverages, especially alcohol, can set rhinitis off as well.

Treatment

One of the more effective treatments is a saline nasal spray as they’re very effective in flushing out the irritants in your nose as well as reducing the mucus and relaxing the membranes. If that doesn’t work, your ENT might prescribe corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamines. There are several medications available, but usually a corticosteroid nasal spray like mometasone or fluticasone may be prescribed.

You should see an ENT specialist if the symptoms won’t go away or over the counter medications don’t help. You should also consult a specialist if you suffer side effects from the over the counter medications you bought. Among the most common side effects are body pains, nausea and indigestion, so if you experience any of these, stop taking the medication and talk with your ENT specialist.

Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
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