Do you suffer from chronic sneezing and a runny nose, or do you know someone who might be suffering from the same? If so, you may have vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). This condition affects the nasal passages and can cause a lot of discomfort. This blog post will discuss 10 facts about vasomotor rhinitis that you may not know. We will also provide tips on how to manage the symptoms.
10 Facts About Vasomotor Rhinitis
Here are the 10 facts that you need to know about this ailment.
Common Symptoms
Vasomotor rhinitis can cause a lot of discomfort. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, an itchy nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms are often worse in the morning and at night. They can also be triggered by changes in temperature, humidity, smoke, or strong odors. More often, scabs tend to form inside your nose.
Vasomotor Rhinitis is Not Allergic Rhinitis
It is important to differentiate between vasomotor rhinitis is nonallergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergy to a specific trigger such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. On the other hand, vasomotor rhinitis is not caused by an allergy. Instead, it is often due to changes in the weather or temperature, hormones, certain medications, and even some foods.
There is No Cure
Unfortunately, there is no cure for vasomotor rhinitis. You must learn to live with the condition and manage the symptoms. However, there are treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms. These include nasal corticosteroids, corticosteroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, and immunotherapy.
Diagnosis of Chronic Nonallergic Rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many symptoms with other conditions, such as allergies and the common cold. However, a few key differences can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
First, vasomotor rhinitis is not seasonal, so you will experience symptoms year-round. Second, it is not accompanied by itching or swelling of the eyes, nose, or throat. Finally, blood tests will usually be negative for allergies.
Treatment options for vasomotor rhinitis include prescription medications, avoidance of triggers, and surgery. If you have persistent symptoms that are not relieved by over-the-counter medications like postnasal drip or antihistamine nasal sprays, you must see your doctor for a diagnosis. You can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life with proper treatment.
Types of VMR
There are two types of VMR: allergic and non-allergic. An overreaction of the immune system causes allergic VMR when faced with irritants such as dust or pollen. Non-allergic VMR, on the other hand, is not triggered by an allergy. Instead, it is caused by temperature, humidity, or air pressure changes. People with non-allergic VMR may also experience symptoms after exposure to strong odors or fumes.
Home Remedies
While it’s hard to relieve vasomotor rhinitis, some home remedies can help relieve the symptoms. These include:
- Saline nasal spray: Saline nasal spray can help thin mucus and reduce congestion. It’s also helpful for washing away irritants such as pollen and dust.
- Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help open up nasal passages and sinuses, making breathing easier.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce congestion and swelling. It can also help to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has soothing properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.
- A humidifier to add moisture to the air can help reduce congestion and soothe dry, irritated nasal passages.
- Drinking plenty of fluids can help to thin mucus and prevent dehydration.
- Avoiding triggers: Avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent symptoms. Common triggers include changes in temperature, humidity, smoke, and strong odors.
Risk Factors
A few risk factors can increase your chances of developing vasomotor rhinitis. These include:
- Age: Vasomotor rhinitis is more common in middle-aged adults and older adults
- Gender: Women have higher chances of suffering from this ailment than men.
- Pregnancy: Vasomotor rhinitis is more common during pregnancy
- Certain medical conditions: vasomotor rhinitis is more common in people with sinus infections, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.
- Family history of VMR. This is another crucial risk factor as vasomotor rhinitis can be genetic.
Other but less common risk factors include high-stress levels, weather changes, and some medications.
Complications
Vasomotor rhinitis can lead to several complications, such as sinus infections, where congestion from vasomotor rhinitis can block the sinuses and cause infection. Sleep problems are another complication; vasomotor rhinitis can cause insomnia, sleep apnea, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Inflammation and nose irritation are other common complications resulting from this disease.
Vasomotor Rhinitis and Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing vasomotor rhinitis. This is due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Symptoms often begin in the first or second trimester and may worsen as the pregnancy progresses. Treatment options for pregnant women are similar to those for non-pregnant women. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking any medication, as some medications may not be safe during pregnancy.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent vasomotor rhinitis. However, avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent symptoms. Common triggers include changes in temperature, humidity, smoke, and strong odors.
If you are pregnant or have a family history of vasomotor rhinitis, speak with your doctor about your risks and what you can do to prevent symptoms. Additionally, avoid overusing nasal decongestants since they can lead to a rebound effect and make vasomotor rhinitis worse.
Vasomotor Rhinitis and Diet
There is no specific diet that can prevent vasomotor rhinitis. However, eating a healthy diet and avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent symptoms. In addition, you can try foods like ginger, apple cider vinegar, and chamomile tea to help reduce congestion. Regularly consuming oily fish and other ideal foods can go a long way to reducing inflammation. Foods such as these can help to reduce congestion and swelling.
Conclusion
Vasomotor rhinitis is a common condition that may be due to a variety of causes. Treatment options are available, but avoiding triggers is the best way to reduce vasomotor rhinitis symptoms. If you are pregnant or have a family history of vasomotor rhinitis, speak with your doctor about your risks and what you can do to prevent symptoms. Additionally, try to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Chamomile tea and humidifiers can also help to reduce congestion. With these tips, you can hopefully minimize the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis.