Nonallergic rhinitis--rhinitis that is not caused by an allergic reaction--commonly appears first in adulthood, although one form, the common cold or flu, frequently occurs in children. A runny nose and nasal stuffiness are typical symptoms and they can last year-round, reports the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, or AAAAI. What therapy to use depends on how bothersome symptoms are, explains the Mayo Clinic. If symptoms are mild, avoiding triggers and simple home treatment, such as a saltwater flush, may be enough. If rhinitis is moderate to severe, a variety of medications offer relief.
Nasal Wash
Both over-the-counter saline nasal sprays and homemade saltwater nasal solutions flush irritants from the nose and soothe the membranes in the sinuses, reports the Mayo Clinic. Nasal washes also help thin mucus. According to the AAAAI, a nasal saline wash by itself can relieve chronic runny nose. Saline washes are not harmful and can be used more than once a day.
Anihistamine Nasal Spray
The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for Allergy and Immunology recommends anithistamine nasal sprays as a first-line treatment for nonallergic rhinitis. These sprays relieve the nasal symptoms of rhinitis, such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion and postnasal drip, explains Dr Wheeler in "American Family Physician." In contrast, antihistamines as a pill are not effective for nonallergic rhinitis, reports the Mayo Clinic and the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters.
Nasal Steroid
A nasal steroid spray is the treatment of choice if the nose is inflamed, states the AAAAI. The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters recommends nasal steroids for certain types of nonallergic rhinitis, such as vasomotor rhinitis and NARES, nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome.
Decongestant
The AAAAI recommends using decongestant pills or nasal sprays to relieve nasal stuffiness. These medications should not be used for more than three or four days, however, explains the Mayo Clinic, as doing so can cause even worse congestion once the patient stops taking them.
Ipratropium Nasal Spray
The therapy of choice if a runny, drippy nose is the main symptom is an ipratropium nasal spray, an anti-drip spray available by prescription, reports the Mayo Clinic. This medicine is especially helpful for the common cold and rhinitis caused by cold air or eating spicy food, reports the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Nonallergic Rhinitis
- "The Diagnosis and Management of Rhinitis: An Updated Practice Parameter"; Journal of Clinical Immunology. 2008.
- "Tips to Remember: Rhinitis." American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
- "Vasomotor Rhinitis"; American Family Physician. Wheeler PW. 2005.
