The main difference between allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis is that nonallergic rhinits occurs without an allergic response.
Symptoms of the two are basically the same. Rhinitis refers to the swelling of the lining of the nose due to expanding blood vessels. In turn, this expansion stimulates the mucus glands in the nose. This results in a congested and drippy nose. One distinguishing characteristic between nonallergic and allergic rhinitis is the absence of itchy eyes and throat in nonallergic rhinitis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptom triggers for individuals with nonallergic rhinitis include:
- Environmental or occupational irritants like secondhand smoke, strong odors, perfumes, chemical fumes, and pollution.
- Weather changes such as alterations in temperature or humidity.
- Viral infections like the flu and a cold. Although it usually clears up in a few weeks, lingering mucus in the throat (postnasal drip) or sinusitis can occur.
- Foods and beverages, such as spicy foods or alchohol.
- Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. In addition, nonallergic rhinitis can also be triggered by sedatives, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, or overuse of nasal decongestant sprays.
- Hormone changes likw those that occur during pregnancy or menstruation.
- Stress can a be a trigger for rhinitis.
Diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis is mainly a matter of ruling out other possible diagnoses. Allergic causes are ruled out through skin and blood tests; and sinus problems are ruled out through tests such as a nasal endoscopy and a CT scan.
Treatment options for nonallergic rhinitis are the same as those for allergic rhinitis and include the following:
- Oral decongestants help narrow the blood vessels in order to reduce congestion in the nose.
- Saline nasal sprays thin mucus and soothe irritated membranes.
- Other nasal sprays, including prescription antihistamine sprays, anti-drip anti-cholinergic nasal sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and decongestant nasal sprays. NOTE: Do not use decongestant sprays for more than three or four days because they can cause severe congestion to return.
Natural remedies include:
- Rinsing out nasal passages with a neti pot or a squeeze bottle.
- Blowing your nose regularly to clear nasal passages of mucus and irritants.
- Using a humidifier in the your bedroom or work area will help loosen mucus.
- Drinking water to stay properly hydrated.
- Using an air purifier can rid the air of pollutants that trigger nonallergic rhinitis symptoms.