Causes and risk factors
Non allergic rhinitis is cause by irritation and inflammation of mucus membranes. There is swelling inside nose and congestion. When no allergen is found as the cause of rhinitis, it is labelled as non allergic rhinitis. Various factors can cause non allergic rhinitis like environmental triggers such as irritants such as smoke, dust; weather changes. certain foods and beverages, viral or bacterial infections, hormonal changes like premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, some medications and stress also cause non allergic rhinitis. It may be associated with disease conditions like sinusitis, asthma, otitis media, anosmia, obstructive sleep apnoea. Clinical presentation
Patient presents with running nose, sneezing, post nasal discharge, mouth breathing due to nasal congestion. Headache, cough, fever, malaise may be accompanied symptoms. Decreased production at work, inclination to lie down, and drowsiness may also be seen in some patients.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. CBC, blood test for IgE antibody is recommended. Imaging studies such as Nasal endoscopy, CT scan is advised to rule out sinus involvement. Skin test to confirm the diagnosis may be done.
Treatment
Preventive treatment consists of avoidance of environmental triggers. Treatment involves decongestant nasal drops or sprays, saline nasal drops, corticosteroid nasal sprays. Medications like oral decongestants, analgesics, NSAIDs are advised. Nasal irrigation, steam inhalation will contribute further to the treatment.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Non allergic rhinitis.
Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Non allergic rhinitis.
