What Is Vasomotor Rhinitis and What Are the Symptoms?
Vasomotor rhinitis is a condition that causes your blood vessels to swell and leak fluid into your nose. It can be caused by many things, including weather changes, strong smells, smoke, and other irritants. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as blood pressure drugs and antidepressants. This can lead to a runny nose, congestion, and other symptoms. According to an ENT doctor in Philadelphia PA, the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis can be mild or severe and can come and go. They may be worse in certain environments, such as when you’re around pollutants or allergens.
What Is the Difference Between Vasomotor Rhinitis and Other Types of Rhinitis?
Vasomotor rhinitis is a type of nonallergic rhinitis. While vasomotor rhinitis is not caused by an allergy, it can cause symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a type of inflammation of the nose that is caused by an allergy, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Allergic rhinitis can also cause symptoms similar to vasomotor rhinitis, but it is important to note that the two conditions are not the same.
What Causes Vasomotor Rhinitis and How Is It Diagnosed?
Vasomotor rhinitis is caused by an overreaction of the blood vessels in the nose to various stimuli. These stimuli can include changes in temperature, humidity, air pollution, smoke, and strong smells. Typically, the exact cause of vasomotor rhinitis is unknown. However, it’s thought to be related to a problem with the nerves that control blood flow to your nose. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
-Allergies
-Irritants in the air, such as pollution or smoke
-Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause
-Certain medications, such as beta-blockers
-Certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
some symptoms will be invisible to the outside observer, such as a feeling of congestion or drainage. Others, such as a runny nose, sneezing, or itching, will be visible. In order to diagnose vasomotor rhinitis, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order allergy testing or other tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Other ways of diagnosing vasomotor rhinitis include a CT scan or MRI of the sinuses and an ENT exam.
How Is Vasomotor Rhinitis Treated, And What Are the Potential Side Effects of Treatment?
Vasomotor rhinitis is often treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Medications that may be used to treat vasomotor rhinitis include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Lifestyle changes that can help relieve symptoms include avoiding triggers, such as smoke and strong smells, and using a humidifier to keep the air moist.
Potential side effects of treatment for vasomotor rhinitis include dry mouth, drowsiness, and headaches. With a dry mouth, you may also experience an increase in cavities and gum disease. The overall experience is uncomfortable, and it can make you self-conscious.
Both drowsiness and headaches are unpleasant side effects of many medications. ENT doctors in Philadelphia often recommend that their patients with vasomotor rhinitis take antihistamines to relieve these symptoms. Unfortunately, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which can make it difficult to function during the day. In addition, some people find that their headaches become worse when they take antihistamines.
What Is the Long-Term Outlook and Complications Associated with Vasomotor Rhinitis?
Most people with vasomotor rhinitis can effectively manage their symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases, however, the condition can lead to complications, such as sinus infections, sleep problems, and difficulty breathing. The worst-case scenario is that vasomotor rhinitis can lead to chronic rhinosinusitis, which is a serious condition that requires medical treatment and eventual health losses. While vasomotor rhinitis is not a fatal condition, it can be very debilitating.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Vasomotor Rhinitis?
There is no sure way to prevent vasomotor rhinitis, but avoiding triggers, such as smoke and strong smells, may help reduce your risk of developing the condition. If you have allergies, be sure to keep them under control to lower your risk of developing vasomotor rhinitis. In other instances, such as during pregnancy or menopause, there is no way to prevent vasomotor rhinitis. However, medications and lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms. It can be recommended that one can take antihistamines to relieve these symptoms. Unfortunately, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which can make it difficult to function during the day.
What Research Is Being Done on Vasomotor Rhinitis, And What Are the Long-Term Prognoses for People Who Suffer from It?
There is currently no cure for vasomotor rhinitis, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms. Most people with vasomotor rhinitis are able to effectively control their symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases, however, the condition can lead to complications, such as sinus infections, sleep problems, and difficulty breathing. If you have vasomotor rhinitis, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your condition. The long-term prognosis for people with vasomotor rhinitis is generally good, but the condition can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience.
Can Vasomotor Rhinitis Be Transmitted from Person to Person?
There is no evidence that vasomotor rhinitis is contagious. The condition is not caused by a virus or bacteria, and it cannot be passed from one person to another. It means that it is not necessary to avoid people with vasomotor rhinitis. However, it is important to be aware of the potential triggers of the condition and to take steps to avoid them.
Conclusion
Vasomotor rhinitis is a condition that can cause significant discomfort. However, most people with vasomotor rhinitis can effectively manage their symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes. If you have vasomotor rhinitis, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your condition. In some cases, the condition can lead to complications, such as sinus infections, sleep problems, and difficulty breathing. However, the long-term prognosis for people with vasomotor rhinitis is generally good.
