Vasomotor Rhinitis Treatment

Many individuals experience chronic congestion and a runny nose. As these symptoms are similar to common allergies, many patients receive allergy medicine or immunotherapy, such as allergy drops or shots, for relief. Despite treatment, symptoms could continue to persist, which is a common sign of vasomotor rhinitis.

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What Is Chronic Vasomotor Rhinitis?

Many patients experience chronic congestion and a runny nose. This may be from allergies and should respond to allergy medicine or immunotherapy such as allergy drops or allergy shots. In some patients, these symptoms do not respond to allergy treatments, and allergy testing is negative. These patients may have “vasomotor rhinitis”, a form of chronic rhinitis that is secondary to an overactive nerve in the nose. This nerve stimulates the lining of the nose to become congested, runny, and have post-nasal drip.

Chronic Vasomotor Rhinitis Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic rhinitis can include:

Congestion
Mouth breathing
Sinus pressure
Sinus infections
Runny nose
Post nasal drip
Chronic cough
Sore throat

These symptoms can be present whether it is an allergic or vasomotor chronic rhinitis.

Treatment Options For Vasomotor Rhinitis

Patients experiencing typical symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis who have not responded to traditional allergy treatments have had limited therapy options—until now. One prescription option is a nasal spray called ipratropium bromide, which can be effective for some patients. However, this spray often needs to be used multiple times per day and may cause dryness of the nasal lining. Now, posterior nasal nerve ablation, a minimally invasive treatment that can be performed right in our clinic, offers an elegant alternative.

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What Triggers Vasomotor Rhinitis?

Vasomotor Rhinitis is triggered by changes in barometric pressure, changes in temperature, changes in humidity, lying flat, and eating.

How Long Does Vasomotor Rhinitis Last?

It is a lifelong condition unless treatments are effective to reduce the overactive nerve in the nose.

Can allergy medicine treat vasomotor rhinitis?

Allergy medications are generally ineffective for the congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip caused by vasomotor rhinitis. Instead, a prescription nasal spray called Ipratropium bromide, which blocks certain nerve signals, can help manage these symptoms. In-office procedures that target and calm overactive nasal nerves may also provide relief.

Is Nonallergic Rhinitis Contagious?

Schedule a consultation

If you are interested in learning more about Chronic Vasomotor Rhinitis, contact our office in Austin, TX today! Call 512.601.0303 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified ENT Specialist, Dr. Daniel Slaughter or Dr. Ryan Salvador.