Nonallergic Rhinitis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Testing for Allergy Triggers
Health care providers use different tests to find out if allergies cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion.
They often use skin prick testing. In this test, a provider places small amounts of common allergens (like pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander) on the skin.
If you have an allergy, a small bump usually forms where the allergen touches the skin. If there is no reaction, an allergy is less likely. Providers may also order a blood test.
This test checks for special proteins called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood. High levels of these antibodies linked to certain allergens can confirm an allergy.
When tests do not show an allergy, non-allergic causes may explain the symptoms.
Checking for Sinus and Nose Conditions
Some nose problems happen because of issues in the sinuses or nasal passages. Providers use special tools and scans to check for these problems.
- Nasal Endoscopy: A provider inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the nose to look inside. They check for swelling, growths, or drainage that could point to causes other than nonallergic rhinitis.
- CT Scan: This imaging scan gives clear pictures of the sinuses. Providers use the scan to spot problems like chronic sinus infections or blockages.
These tools help providers tell the difference between nonallergic rhinitis and other possible causes, such as acute rhinitis, chronic nonallergic rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, drug-induced rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis, or occupational rhinitis.
Further Details and Other Tools
Doctors review the patient’s medical history and symptom patterns. Sometimes, they ask patients to try a medicine to see if symptoms improve.
Doctors may suggest extra checks like nasal cytology, which examines cells from the nasal passages. They use all this information to decide if the problem is non-allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, or another issue.
| Symptom | Allergy Test | Sinus Test | Other Checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneezing | Skin/blood | Endoscopy, CT | Medical history |
| Runny nose | Skin/blood | Endoscopy, CT | Nasal cytology |
| Nasal congestion | Skin/blood | Endoscopy, CT | Symptom patterns |
| Postnasal drip | Skin/blood | Endoscopy, CT | Trial medication |
Treatment
For nonallergic rhinitis, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and making daily life more comfortable.
Some people manage well by avoiding triggers and using home remedies. Others may need medication when symptoms are severe.
Home Remedies and Self-Care
- Saline Nasal Sprays or Irrigation: Using saline sprays or rinses helps keep the nose moist and thins out mucus. These sprays also clear out irritants.
You can buy these sprays or make a saltwater mix at home. Many people use a squeeze bottle or neti pot for deeper cleaning.
Medications
Different medicines target specific symptoms.
| Type of Medication | How it Helps | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal Antihistamines | Relieves sneezing, congestion, runny nose | Bitter taste, drowsiness |
| Decongestants | Reduces congestion by narrowing vessels | High blood pressure, restlessness |
| Nasal Corticosteroids | Lowers swelling and inflammation | Nosebleeds, dryness, headaches |
| Ipratropium Nasal Spray | Lowers excess nasal discharge | Dry nose, nosebleeds |
Nasal Antihistamine Sprays: These sprays, such as azelastine, reduce stuffiness and nasal drip. They work better for non-allergic cases than regular allergy pills.
Decongestants: These medicines give short-term relief by opening airways. People with certain health conditions should avoid them.
Nasal Steroid Sprays: These medicines reduce swelling inside the nose. These are available over the counter, and stronger types can be prescribed.
Ipratropium Nasal Spray: Providers prescribe this spray for a runny nose that will not go away. Dryness or bleeding can occur.
Other Approaches
If medicine and self-care do not help, surgery may be needed. This is more likely if growths, like nasal polyps, or a deviated septum block the nose.
A healthcare provider explains the options and suggests if surgery is right for you.
Self-Care Tips
Using a Nasal Rinse Pot
Nasal irrigation with a rinse pot (neti pot) can help relieve nasal symptoms. This device looks like a small teapot and is used to clean the nasal passages.
You pour a saltwater solution through one nostril, which washes mucus and irritants out of the nose.
Steps to use a nasal rinse pot:
- Mix a saline solution with distilled, sterile, boiled and cooled, or properly filtered water.
- Fill the pot with the solution.
- Tilt your head to one side and insert the spout in the upper nostril.
- Pour slowly, letting the liquid flow through your nose and out the other nostril.
- Always use clean water and wash the pot after each use. Leave it out to air-dry.
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use safe water | Prevents infection. |
| Clean after each use | Removes germs and keeps it sanitary. |
| Air-dry pot | Avoids mold and bacteria growth. |
A nasal rinse pot helps clear out mucus and makes breathing easier. It also loosens stuffiness.
You can use nasal rinsing daily for best results. Pairing nasal rinsing with gentle nose blowing and keeping indoor air moist may offer better relief. Drinking water or caffeine-free drinks also helps keep mucus thin.
Using Nontraditional Treatments
Some people with nonallergic rhinitis try nontraditional treatments. Capsaicin, the active part of hot peppers, is one option.
Small studies suggest that capsaicin in the nose might reduce stuffiness. Side effects like burning, sneezing, and coughing can happen.
The right dose and treatment length are still unknown. Another option is acupuncture.
This method uses thin, sterile needles placed in the skin. While people sometimes use acupuncture for pain, most health experts at Healthnile do not recommend it for nonallergic rhinitis.
Researchers need to do more studies to know if these treatments are safe and effective.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Before seeing a healthcare provider about symptoms like a runny nose or nasal congestion, it helps to be prepared.
Contact the Provider’s Office: Ask if you need to follow special instructions, like avoiding certain medicines before the appointment.
Make a List of Your Symptoms: Include all symptoms and note when each started.
Write Down Personal Information: Record any recent illnesses, big life changes, or stressful events.
List Medications and Supplements: Write down all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products with their dosages.
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Prepare Questions: Bring a list for your provider.
- What is causing my symptoms?
- Will I need any tests?
- How long will my symptoms persist?
- What are the treatment options?
- If I have other conditions, how should I manage them?
- Do you recommend any helpful resources or websites?
Being organized helps you remember important details and leads to a more effective appointment.
How Your Healthcare Provider May Respond
Healthcare providers usually ask focused questions to better understand the condition.
Expect questions such as:
- Are the symptoms always present, or do they come and go?
- How would you rate the severity of your symptoms?
- Does anything relieve or worsen your symptoms, like spicy food or certain medicines?
- What treatments have you tried, and did any help?
- Are you exposed to environmental factors like tobacco smoke, chemicals, or strong odors?
The provider may perform a physical exam. They also review your health history to help make a diagnosis.
