The condition that causes chronic sneezing, congestion, or runny nose without an “allergic” cause has a name: Nonallergic rhinitis. While one can argue that these symptoms sound similar to those of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), nonallergic rhinitis differs because it doesn’t involve the immune system at all.
So you might be wondering… what are the causes of nonallergic rhinitis? Well, airborne pollutants or odors, certain foods or beverages, some medications, changes in the weather or an underlying chronic health problem can all trigger symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis.
The most common symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip
Something of note is that with these symptoms, some people might also experience itchy nose, eyes or throat, although it’s rare. Nonallergic rhinitis is the diagnosis for these symptoms following allergy testing, when all the results are negative.
As far as treatment goes, it completely depends on how much discomfort this condition is causing you. For more mild cases, avoiding triggers could be enough. If you’re suffering from more severe symptoms, certain medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays may provide relief.
At Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, we’re happy to help you determine what’s happening, and help you with treatment. Interested in setting up a consultation? Visit our website to find out which of our five locations is most convenient for you.