Treatment for non-allergic rhinitis depends on the specific type.
Viral rhinitis
Rhinitis caused by an infection, usually clears up within 14 days so treatment is often not required.
Decongestants may help to relieve symptoms of congestion but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Overusing decongestants could make your congestion worse and lead to rhinitis medicamentosa (see below).
You should not use nasal decongestants if you are taking a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Read more about decongestant medication.
Vasomotor rhinitis
If you are diagnosed with vasomotor rhinitis, it is important to recognise any potential environmental triggers and, if possible, avoid them.
Symptoms can usually be relieved by a nasal spray containing corticosteroids. This will relieve congestion by reducing inflammation.
If your rhinitis doesn't respond to treatment, you can try:
- antihistamine nasal sprays - they help reduce inflammation caused by vasomotor rhinitis
- anticholinergic nasal sprays - enlarge the airways and make breathing easier; they also reduce the amount of mucus your body produces which help to relieve a runny nose
- sodium cromoglycate - reduces inflammation and production of mucus and is usually taken through an inhaler
Always check with your GP or pharmacist before you take medication for your symptoms.
Atrophic rhinitis
Nasal irrigation is the most common treatment for atrophic rhinitis. It involves using a syringe to fill the nasal cavities with saline solution (a mixture of salts and water) which helps reduce crusting and dryness.
Antibiotics can also be used to treat infection and reduce or remove the offensive odour.
Rhinitis medicamentosa
The best way to treat rhinitis medicamentosa is to stop using nasal decongestant sprays. However, this can be difficult, particularly if you have been using them for some time.
Several methods can help ease the withdrawal process:
- stop using the spray in your 'good' (least congested) nostril - after seven days your good nostril should open up, at which point stop using the spray in your other nostril
- take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness to reduce night-time congestion and help you sleep
- lubricate and rinse your nose using a saline solution delivered by a small syringe or ‘neti pot’ - to make the solution, mix half a teaspoon of salt in 220ml (8oz) of lukewarm water
If you have severe rhinitis medicamentosa, your GP may prescribe a short course of corticosteroid tablets.
