WHY IS MY NOSE CONSTANTLY RUNNING?
- Posted on: Sep 13 2022
Do you need to carry tissues with you because your nose is constantly running? Or do you continuously clear your throat, have post-nasal drip or congestion? If so you may suffer from vasomotor rhinitis (VMR).
What is Vasomotor Rhinitis?:
Vasomotor rhinitis, sometimes referred to as non-allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition is which the nerves inside the nose are overly responsive. The overactive nerves trigger the blood vessels in the nose to expand which results in drainage and congestion.
Symptoms of Vasomotor Rhinitis:
Vasomotor rhinitis can affect all ages, but is increasingly more common in older populations. Those with vasomotor rhinitis often have symptoms that come and go regardless of pollen or allergy levels. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose or post-nasal drip (drainage is typically clear)
- Congestion
- Mucous in the throat
- Cough or throat clearing
Vasomotor Rhinitis Triggers:
There are a wide variety of known triggers which increase the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis and can vary from person to person. The most common triggers are:
- Eating or drinking, especially spicy or hot foods
- Lying flat and on your back
- Changes in temperature or barometric pressure
- Environmental irritants such as smoke or perfumes
- Exercise
- Certain medications
Diagnosing and Treating Vasomotor Rhinitis:
Vasomotor rhinitis is diagnosed by first taking a history and performing a physical exam of the nose and throat. A CT scan may be used to rule out conditions such a sinusitis which can produce similar symptoms.
A diagnosis of VMR is typically only made once infectious and allergic causes have been ruled out. Allergy testing may be performed to determine if there is an allergic basis for the symptoms.
Medical Management:
Patient’s with suspected vasomotor rhinitis will be started on a nasal spray called ipratropium bromide. This nasal spray blocks the stimulation of the nerve that results in congestion and runny nose. If the spray is effective in reducing symptoms it may be used long term. However, some people may find it difficult to tolerate due to the drying effect it can have in the nose. Those that cannot tolerate ipratropium bromide or do not want to use daily nasal sprays, may elect to have a non-invasive office procedure called Rhinaer to permanently reduce their symptoms.
Procedural Correction:
Rhinaer is a simple office based procedure performed by our Physician Assistants under IV sedation. During the procedure, a small wand is inserted into the nostril and placed over the nerve responsible for vasomotor rhinitis. Using low-temperature radio-frequency Rhinaer eliminates overactive nerve fibers. The procedure is then repeated on the opposite side. No incisions are required and the procedure is painless.
Rhinaer is effective in treating both congestion and drainage associated with vasomotor rhinitis. A reduction in symptoms is typically seen between 4-12 weeks after treatment.
Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, throat clearing, or think you may have vasomotor rhinitis call to schedule a consultation, or securely text us at 512-601-0303 or complete our request and appointment form.
Tagged with: chronic vasomotor rhinitis, rhinaer, runny nose, vasomotor rhinitis
Posted in: Runny Nose, Vasomotor Rhinitis
