Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative Names Return to top
Rhinitis - non-allergic; Idiopathic rhinitisDefinition Return to top
Vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic condition that causes a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
See also: Rhinitis
Causes Return to top
The exact cause of vasomotor rhinitis is unknown. It may be a hypersensitive response to a dry atmosphere, air pollutants, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions, or some medications. Vasomotor rhinitis is not caused by an infection or allergy.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and what triggers them. You will also be asked about your home and work environment. Blood tests to determine your total serum IgE and total circulating eosinophil count may be ordered.
Treatment Return to top
The primary treatment is avoidance of the trigger. In some cases, medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, may be prescribed. Intranasal corticosteroids are usually reserved for allergic rhinitis, but may be useful for some forms of vasomotor rhinitis.
References Return to top
Lal D, Corey JP. Vasomotor rhinitis update. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Jun;12(3):243-7.
Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000:1279-1280.
Dykewicz MS. Rhinitis and sinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Feb. 2003; 111(2 Suppl): S520-9.
Update Date: 7/25/2007 Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 02 January 2008 |