Rhinitis is a condition where the inside of your nose becomes inflamed (swollen), causing cold-like symptoms such as sneezing and a blocked or runny nose.
One of the most common causes of rhinitis is an allergic reaction to a substance such as pollen. However, if the condition is not caused by an allergic reaction, it is known as non-allergic rhinitis.
These pages focus on non-allergic rhinitis.
Types of non-allergic rhinitis
There are several different types of non-allergic rhinitis:
- Viral or infectious rhinitis is caused by an infection, such as the common cold.
- Vasomotor rhinitis is where the blood vessels in your nose are over-sensitive. Certain environmental triggers, such as cold weather or smoke, can cause them to expand, causing congestion.
- Atrophic rhinitis is where the membranes inside your nose thin and harden, causing your nasal passages to widen and dry out. Foul-smelling crusts form inside your nose and you may lose your sense of smell. Atrophic rhinitis can occur as a complication of nose surgery or as a result of infection.
- Rhinitis medicamentosa is caused by overuse of nasal decongestants.
Non-allergic rhinitis can also occur as a result of hormone imbalances caused by pregnancy, puberty or the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception.
Outlook
Non-allergic rhinitis is not harmful, but the symptoms can be irritating and can affect your quality of life.
Treatment depends on how bad your symptoms are and the cause of your rhinitis. In some cases, avoiding certain triggers and self-care measures, such as rinsing your nasal passages, may relieve symptoms. In other cases, medication or surgery may be needed.
