Vasomotor Rhinitis: What It Is, Causes, and Symptoms

Vasomotor rhinitis is non-allergic rhinitis: the nasal mucosa becomes irritated and responds with congestion or discharge. There is no allergy, and symptoms often depend on temperature, humidity, and other external irritants.

What vasomotor rhinitis is

Vasomotor rhinitis is classified as a non-allergic rhinitis. The inner surface of the nose becomes irritated, and the person feels congestion or a runny nose.

The nose filters the air, removes dust, microbes, and irritants, warms and humidifies it. When the mucosa reacts too sharply, breathing loses its rhythm, like an instrument that has gone out of tune.

This condition is not life-threatening, but it can significantly affect well-being and everyday activities.

Vasomotor rhinitis: symptoms

The most common signs are congestion or nasal discharge, sneezing, and a sore throat. There is often a sensation that mucus is slowly running down the back of the throat.

Symptoms are often linked to the environment: temperature changes, humidity, odors, physical exertion, smoke, perfume, paint fumes, alcohol, and spicy food. Because of this, it is hard for a person to understand why the nose "switches on" without an obvious cause.

• congestion or a runny nose;
• sneezing;
• sore throat;
• a sensation of mucus running down the back of the throat.

Causes and triggering factors

Common causes include changes in weather, temperature, or humidity, physical exertion, smoke, perfume, and paint fumes. Alcohol and spicy food can also trigger a reaction.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy or adolescence, as well as the use of hormonal medications, play a role. Some conditions are also considered causes, for example an underactive thyroid gland.

Certain medications produce a similar effect: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. Decongestant nasal sprays used longer than the period specified in the instructions can make the problem worse.

Chronic vasomotor rhinitis and how it differs from allergic rhinitis

Symptoms can affect sleep and daily life.

Vasomotor rhinitis differs from allergic rhinitis in the nature of the reaction: allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens, such as hay fever. In vasomotor rhinitis there is no such link, and the trigger is weather, odors, medications, and other factors.

How the diagnosis is made

The doctor may change the medications being taken if their influence is suspected.

If the picture is unclear or the course is severe, the patient is referred to a specialist for additional examinations. If asthma symptoms appear or worsen, a doctor's assessment is also needed.

When to see an otorhinolaryngologist

You should see a doctor if symptoms worsen, interfere with sleep and daily life, or if it is unclear what causes them. Another reason for a consultation is if there is no relief despite measures already taken.

Asthma symptoms or their worsening require special attention. In severe cases with an unclear cause, the doctor refers the patient to a specialist for further tests.

This condition by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition, regardless of the cause.

This material is for reference purposes: it explains the nature of the condition but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer