Vasomotor rhinitis is a runny nose that is not caused by an allergy or cold. Other names for this problem are idiopathic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis.
Vasomotor rhinitis happens if the nose makes more mucus when the temperature or humidity changes. It may also be caused by irritants like smoke, dryness, smog, and perfume.
You have a runny or stuffy nose. Unlike a runny nose caused by allergies, there is usually no itching or sneezing.
There is no specific test for this problem. Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical and family history. Your provider will see if there are any other possible causes of your symptoms. For example, your provider may check for signs of allergies.
If you need treatment, it may depend on whether you have a runny nose or a stuffy nose.
If you have more than 1 symptom or if the medicines mentioned above are not working, then your provider may recommend a prescription antihistamine that you can spray into your nose. Antihistamine tablets are for allergies and do not usually help vasomotor rhinitis, but spraying the medicine directly into the nose is helpful for most people with this problem.
Getting more exercise may help your nose be less congested.
The condition is usually lifelong. However, you may lessen the symptoms by avoiding the irritants that seem to cause problems for you.
There is no known prevention.
