Non-allergic Rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis, which accounts for 50% of all rhinitis cases,¹ takes many forms and is caused by a wide range of factors. The key element is that non-allergic rhinitis symptoms are not triggered by the atopic inflammatory response,¹ so allergy medications (such as antihistamines) will not offer symptom relief.² Combination formulations (those with a nasal decongestant added) of non-sedating antihistamines (NSAs) may work, but only because the added decongestant clears up symptoms without targeting the underlying cause.

Listed below are various forms of non-allergic rhinitis^1,3:

• Vasomotor rhinitis

• Reflex-induced rhinitis

• Occupational rhinitis

• Hormonal rhinitis

• Nasal polyps

• Atrophic rhinitis

• Drug-induced rhinitis

• Non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES)

• Anatomic/structural rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis facts and figures

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is more closely tracked than non-allergic rhinitis, perhaps because the latter takes so many different forms. In general, however, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis are thought to occur at fairly similar rates.⁴

Non-allergic rhinitis symptoms

In addition to the key symptoms of congestion, rhinorrhea, and increased secretions, other symptoms associated with non-allergic rhinitis include^1,5:

• Sneezing

• Itching (nose, eyes, palate)

• Watery eyes

• Coughing

• Postnasal drip

• Sore throat