Nonallergic rhinitis is a condition that presents similarly to allergies. It arises when something causes blood vessels in your nose to expand. The blood vessels then fill the nasal tissue and trigger symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
You can differentiate nonallergic rhinitis from allergies by the lack of itching in your eyes, nose and throat.
Common Triggers of Nonallergic Rhinitis
Some well-known nonallergic rhinitis triggers include:
- Airborne irritants: dust, smog, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, strong perfumes, etc.
- Weather changes: sudden shifts in temperature or increased humidity
- Medication: aspirin, ibuprofen, beta blockers, etc.
- Hormone changes: pregnancy, puberty, new birth control, thyroid conditions, etc.
- Illness: infections like a cold or the flu
- Food and drink: alcohol, spicy foods, etc.
- Sleep issues: sleeping on your back, acid reflux at night, etc.
How To Know Which Trigger Is Causing Your Symptoms
Because there are so many possible causes of nonallergic rhinitis, it can be tricky to pinpoint your triggers. Try the following to narrow it down:
- Track your symptoms. Keep a notebook handy or use the notes app on your phone to write down where and when your symptoms arise. Be as detailed as possible. You can write the time, location, foods you ate, medications you were taking, smells you noticed and anything else that comes to mind.
- Pull data from your notes. After a few weeks of symptom tracking, sit down and identify common factors across your flare-ups. For example, you might notice that you had a runny nose every time you worked with a particular coworker, indicating that they may wear a perfume or use soap that sets off your nose. Alternatively, your symptoms might show up after turning up the spice on your favorite dish from Simply Pho House, letting you know you may need to go with a milder heat level.
- Rule out allergies. An allergy test can rule out any possible allergens that could contribute to your symptoms.
- Ask your doctor about medications. If you started taking a new form of birth control or blood pressure medication, talk to your doctor about rhinitis symptoms and see if there are any alternatives.
When in doubt, Collin County ENT can help. We’ll review your symptoms to help you rule out specific triggers and find the best treatment path. Call us today to schedule your appointment.