Finding the Cause of Your Runny Nose
Allergies are not the only cause of swollen, runny and itchy noses – sometimes it’s non-allergic rhinitis, or vasomotor rhinitis. The Vasomotor Rhinitis (VRS) Program at Rochester Regional Health can help determine the cause of your sinus issues, and if it is VRS, build a treatment plan that works for you.
What is Vasomotor Rhinitis?
Also called non-allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis occurs when the tissues inside your nose become swollen (inflamed). For many, this is caused by exposure to certain triggers, like scents, odors, pollution, irritants, medications, and changes in weather. For others, rhinitis can develop due to other underlying health issues.
Vasomotor rhinitis does not result from exposure to allergens–nasal inflammation caused by allergens is called allergic rhinitis.
Vasomotor Rhinitis Symptoms
For most, the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis include:
- Diminished sense of smell
- Postnasal drip
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
Causes of Vasomotor Rhinitis Symptoms
Nasal inflammation can occur because of a viral illness or exposure to environmental, medication, or hormonal triggers, including:
- Beta-Blockers
- Colder temperatures
- NSAIDs
- Overuse of nasal decongestants
- Paint fumes
- Perfume
- Pregnancy
- Puberty
- Smoke
- Spicy foods
- Stress
- Use of recreational drugs
- Nasal polyps
Diagnosis and Testing
Following a thorough medical history and physical evaluation, your provider may recommend allergy testing to confirm that allergies are not causing your symptoms.
Sometimes, an ENT provider may use an endoscope–a long, flexible tube–to examine the inside of your nose and your nasal passages. With this exam, your ENT provider can identify any other problems that may be causing your symptoms, including nasal polyps.
Your provider may also recommend a CT (computed tomography) scan. This will give us a detailed view of the inside of your sinuses and ensure we have a full picture to make an accurate diagnosis.
Based on your diagnosis, your allergy provider will craft a personalized plan to help you alleviate your non-allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Vasomotor Rhinitis Treatment
There is no cure for vasomotor rhinitis. With the help of your allergist, you can find ways to manage your symptoms and avoid environmental issues that may exacerbate them.
If triggers like perfumes or smoke cause your symptoms, avoiding these triggers is an effective treatment. Many people also find relief by rinsing their nasal passages with a salt water (saline) solution to clean out your nose and its nasal cavities.
For some, prescription medications can manage symptoms and decrease nasal inflammation. Medications prescribed by your allergist may include:
- Anticholinergic nasal sprays - minimize the amount of mucus produced in your nose
- Antihistamine nasal sprays - work to reduce inflammation in your nose
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays - work to reduce nasal inflammation
- Decongestant nasal sprays - relieve nasal congestion
If left untreated, non-allergic rhinitis may result in a constantly running nose or persistently blocked nasal passages. These can lead to ear infections, nasal polyps, sinusitis, sinus infections, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and irritability.
Other Sinus Issues
Your sinuses play an important role in your body, and when they are irritated, you may feel significant discomfort and irritation. Working closely with our ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists, our providers work to accurately diagnose and treat your sinus issues.
Sinus Infection
When fluid builds up in your sinuses (the air-filled pockets in your face), germs grow. Viruses or bacteria can cause sinus infections–also called sinusitis–and a previous cold, seasonal allergy, smoking, or a weak immune system can all increase your risk of getting one.
Sinus infection symptoms include a runny and stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, a headache, post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat), a sore throat, cough, and bad breath. Sinusitis can lead to infections, sinus pressure, and headaches, in addition to significant nasal symptoms. They can also point towards sinus problems that your provider will work to identify and treat.
Sinusitis affects about 28.5 million adults in the United States, and can be acute or chronic. Your provider will help determine which type you have, and find the right treatment for you.
Sinus Disease
Chronic sinusitis, or sinus infections that keep recurring or last for at least 8 weeks, are typically caused by allergies, nasal polyps, respiratory tract infections, a deviated septum, or facial injuries. In rare cases, immune deficiencies or gastroesophageal reflux can cause sinus disease.
Your Allergy Program provider will diagnose sinus disease or a sinus infection by checking your nose and throat during a physical exam. If treatment is necessary, it may include saline nasal irrigation, decongestants, pain relievers, or nasal corticosteroids.