Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, affecting 20 percent of the American population, according to the Mayo Clinic. Non-allergic rhinitis is a rare condition that has the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis, but is not caused by an allergic reaction. Both conditions cause nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes and are treated in a similar fashion. Only a doctor can determine if the rhinitis is allergic or non-allergic by taking blood tests. Talk to a doctor before attempting to self-medicate.
Cause
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is caused by an allergic reaction to seasonal or airborne allergens, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The body reacts to an allergen, releasing histamine that results in nasal and eye irritation. Non-allergic rhinitis is caused by environmental irritants, weather changes, certain foods or drinks, infections, hormone changes and specific medications.
Symptoms
The symptoms for allergic and non-allergic rhinitis are the same. The most common symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic are a runny nose, mucus production, nasal congestion and eye irritation. Excessive mucus production can cause the development of post-nasal drip, a condition where mucus drips down the back of the throat. Someone may also experience excessive sneezing fits and a constant itchy in the throat, eyes or nose.
Treatments
Allergic rhinitis is treated by avoiding allergens, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Allergic rhinitis is also treated with oral antihistamines that maintain the proper levels of histamine in the blood. Non-allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis are treated with prescribed corticosteroid nasal sprays, saline solution, decongestants and oral antihistamine sprays, according to the Mayo Clinic. Corticosteroids sprays are used to reduce nasal inflammation, saline solution moistens the sinuses, decongestants reduce sinus congestion and antihistamines sprays manage sinus inflammation. Oral antihistamines are ineffective on non-allergic rhinitis.
Complications
Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis can lead to complications such as nasal polyps, sinus infections and ear infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the sinus cavity that obstruct someone's ability to breathe normally through the nose. If mucus is trapped in swollen sinus cavities too long, it can produce an infection that may need to be treated with antibiotics. Ear infections occur from rhinitis because of increased fluid in the ears.
Considerations
If symptoms do not improve after using medication, talk with a doctor. This can be a sing of a more complicated issue. Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days to avoid rebound congestion.
