Nonallergic rhinitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Self-care

Introduction

Do you have a chronic runny or stuffy nose on and off all year? If so, you, along with millions of others, may have nonallergic rhinitis.

If you have nonallergic rhinitis, the lining of your nose swells due to expanding blood vessels — causing a congested and drippy nose. The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to those of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but no allergy is involved. Nonallergic rhinitis affects approximately 17 million people in the U.S. — both children and adults.

Another term for nonallergic rhinitis is vasomotor rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis refers to an exaggerated response to irritation of the nasal lining.

Although nonallergic rhinitis is more annoying than harmful, it can affect your quality of life. A variety of factors may trigger symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis, including infections, environmental irritants, medications, hormonal changes, temperature changes, stress or activity. A diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis is made after an allergy cause is ruled out. This often requires allergy skin or blood tests.

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Signs and symptoms