- Main symptoms
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- Possible causes of vasomotor rhinitis
- How the treatment is done
- When surgery is necessary
Vasomotor rhinitis is the inflammation of the membranes that are inside the nose, producing symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy and itchy nose, for example. Typically, this type of rhinitis appears throughout the year and, therefore, is not related to allergies that may arise more often in the spring or summer, for example.
Although there is no proven cure for vasomotor rhinitis, its symptoms can be relieved with some treatments recommended by the doctor, such as the use of antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs, for example.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis include:
- Clogged nose; Constant runny nose; Feeling of phlegm in the throat; Itchy nose; Redness in the eyes.
These symptoms can last for several days or weeks and are also similar to rhinitis caused by an allergy, so it can be more difficult to identify the correct cause.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of vasomotor rhinitis is usually made by an otorhinolaryngologist, through a complete examination of the nasal passage, which will present swelling of the mucosa caused by the dilation of blood vessels. Then, the doctor may also order an allergy skin test and blood test to rule out an allergic reaction.
Possible causes of vasomotor rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis appears when the blood vessels in the nose dilate, which ends up causing swelling and congestion of the tissues inside the nose. Although the reason why the vessels dilate is not yet known, some causes that may be the cause of rhinitis include:
- Exposure to dry air; Changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature; Strong odors; Spicy foods; Chemical irritants such as ozone, pollution, perfumes and sprays; Nose injuries; Diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux and asthma; Alcoholism; Side effects of medications; Strong emotions.
Since vasomotor rhinitis is more common in women, it can also be caused by hormonal changes, which are more common in women due to the menstrual cycle.
How the treatment is done
Vasomotor rhinitis has no cure, however treatment can help reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve quality of life. Some of the most used forms of treatment include:
- Saline nasal sprays: are used to reduce runny nose; Oral antihistamines: reduce swelling of the respiratory system; Homemade treatments for nasal irrigation and inhalation of steam or eucalyptus oil; Regular physical activity: helps to improve general respiratory conditioning.
In addition, irrigating the nose or spraying with eucalyptus essential oil are also great homemade ways to relieve irritation and reduce runny nose, improving breathing. See 4 homemade nebulisations for sinusitis, which also work in rhinitis.
Generally, nasal sprays with corticosteroids, such as mometasone, are only indicated when symptoms do not improve with any of these forms of treatment and should always be prescribed by a doctor.
When surgery is necessary
Surgery for vasomotor rhinitis is usually only indicated in severe cases, when symptoms are caused by blockage of one side of the nasal cavity by a deviated septum, hypertrophy of the turbinates or presence of nasal polyps, for example. In these cases, treatment with drugs may not provide relief, and surgery is needed to remove the block.
