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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Vasomotor rhinitis
Definition
Vasomotor rhinitis is a nonallergic condition that involves a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
See also:
Alternative Names
Rhinitis - nonallergic; Idiopathic rhinitis; Nonallergic rhinitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Vasomotor rhinitis is not caused by an infection or allergy. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms are triggered by something that irritates the nose, such as a dry atmosphere, air pollution, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions, or certain medications.
Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Sneezing
- Watery nasal drainage (rhinorrhea)
Signs and tests
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and what seems to trigger them.
You will also be asked about your home and work environment. The doctor may look inside your nose and see that the tissues lining the nose are swollen due to inflamed blood vessels.
Allergy skin tests may be done to rule out allergies as a cause of your symptoms.
Blood tests to determine your total blood levels of IgE (allergic antibody) and total circulating eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell) may be ordered.
Treatment
The primary treatment is simply avoiding the things that trigger your symptoms.
In some cases, decongestants or a nasal spray containing an antihistamine may help. Corticosteroid nasal sprays may be useful for some forms of vasomotor rhinitis.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References
Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Aug:122(2).
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