Vasomotor rhinitis causes stuffed or runny nose for reasons other than infections or allergies. In most instances, the cause of vasomotor rhinitis is not known but the triggers include certain odors, emotions, poor air quality, medication side effects and spicy foods.
Even though there is no cure, vasomotor rhinitis can be managed. The most effective treatment is no other than the avoidance of the triggers such as spicy foods and exposure to polluted air.
What are the indications?
The indications of vasomotor rhinitis include continuous or sporadic runny nose or congestion. The usual symptoms include the following:
- Nasal irritation
- Nasal drainage
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal itchiness
Possible causes
Vasomotor rhinitis occurs if the blood vessels within the nose become dilated or expand. The dilation of these vessels results to swelling and congestion. In most cases, mucus drains from the nose. It is still not know what precisely triggers the dilation of the blood vessels in the nose. Some of the usual triggers include the following:
- Exposure to irritants in the environment such as smog, odors, perfumes or secondhand smoke
- Changes in the weather especially dry weather
- Stress
- Viral infections such as those linked with the flu or common cold
- Hypothyroidism
- Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays
- Hot or spicy foods or beverages
- Hormonal changes linked with menstruation or pregnancy
- Certain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, beta-blockers, antidepressants, some sedatives, oral contraceptives and drugs for erectile dysfunction
Management
The treatment for vasomotor rhinitis is aimed on minimizing the congestion and preventing nasal drainage. Take note though that avoidance of the triggers is the most effective approach.
Nasal sprays
The nasal sprays can be useful in managing the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis. These sprays can contain various forms of drugs including:
- Anticholinergics to manage the symptoms linked to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system
- Antihistamines to suppress sensitivity to environmental triggers
- Cromolyn sodium to control the runny nose
- Corticosteroids to alleviate the congestion
Oral medications
The commonly used oral medications to manage vasomotor rhinitis including:
- Oral antihistamines
- Decongestants