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VASOMOTOR RHINITIS

Vasomotor rhinitis is a nasal disease in which the nerves controlling nasal congestion and secretion become hyperactive. Whether this is caused by stress, by cold weather, by trauma, by nasal irritation or by some absolutely unknown factor, the mucosa of the nose swells and secretes. You, the patient, perceive this as congestion, a runny nose, and very often concomitant sinus pressure and pain.

As the majority of vasomotor rhinitis is stress-induced, by far the best advice is to recognize this and deal with the stress directly. Some find nasal steroids useful. Very few find relief with antihistamines or with antihistamine decongestant combinations or with any other treatment. Some have found nasal irrigation useful. If it works, it is certainly safe, and you are welcome to repeat it as often as you like. If it does not work, consult with your doctor.