The basic aim of vasomotor rhinitis treatment is to keep its symptoms in check. This article will provide you with proper guidance on treating vasomotor rhinitis. Read on to learn more…
The condition of vasomotor rhinitis is characterized by common symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, post nasal drip, frontal headache, nasal irritation, frequent sneezing, etc. Some people get these symptoms occasionally under certain conditions while others get them daily. All the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis appear very similar to that of an allergic reaction or upper respiratory infection that it is difficult to differentiate between them. However, it may sound strange but it is not triggered by any form of allergy or infection.
Causes
Vasomotor rhinitis occurs due to dilation of the blood vessels inside the nose which in turn leads to swelling of the lining of the nasal passage. The exact cause is not clearly known. It is believed that any physical condition that causes irritation on the lining of the nasal passage can be responsible for this problem. It could be exposure to dry air, pollutants of the air, sunlight, change in temperature, strong odor, spicy foods and so on. Sometimes, it happens to be a side effect of some prescription medicine’s side effects. There are a number risk factors like nose injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, alcohol abuse, etc. In some people, it is closely linked to strong emotions.
Treatment Guidelines
When you visit a doctor with a runny nose, you assume that you are suffering from some allergic rhinitis. The diagnosis of the problem starts with thorough physical examination of the nasal passage. It will show swelling of the nasal lining caused by dilation of the blood vessels. It is followed by an allergy skin test and a blood test to check out whether it is actually an allergic reaction or not. The characteristic of the symptom is also closely monitored. Doctors try to identify the environmental triggers with the help of the timing of the onset of the symptoms.
Doctors then prescribe medicines to get rid of the annoying symptoms. Nasal sprays are widely used for this kind of treatment. There are many different types of nasal sprays that are used for this purpose. Antihistamine nasal sprays are used to check the irritation caused by environmental irritants. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are highly effective to shrink the blood vessels and thus inflammation of the lining of the nasal passage is brought down and nasal congestion is cleared up. Saline nasal sprays are also good for treating a stuffy nose. In some cases, anticholinergic nasal sprays are used to block the effect of the autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Along with these sprays, oral decongestants and oral antihistamines are also prescribed for reducing the swelling of the respiratory system.
Symptoms of a runny nose can be relieved with simple home treatments like nasal irrigation and steam inhalation. For nasal irrigation, take some lukewarm water in a neti pot and dissolve half teaspoon of salt into it. Pour this saline solution through one nostril and then spit it out when it drains out at the back of the throat. This rinses up the nasal passage really well. For steam inhalation, take some boiling water in a bowl and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into it. Inhale the steam coming out of the water. After this, you can feel that the nasal congestion is gone.
In some serious cases, recurrent vasomotor rhinitis symptoms is caused when one side of the nasal cavity is blocked by a deviated septum or nasal polyps. In such cases, medicinal treatment does not provide relief. These patients may require surgery where the blockage is removed by surgical means.
Vasomotor rhinitis treatment does not root out the real cause of the problem. It only treat its symptoms. Therefore, if it is a recurrent problem for you, you should try to identify the exact trigger and avoid its exposure. Involving yourself with physical activities can be helpful for opening up of the air passage too. Besides, the use of a humidifier can improve the indoor air quality and reduce the chances of vasomotor rhinitis to a great extent.
