Rhinitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the nose. It is important to realize that not all rhinitis symptoms are caused by allergy. Rhinitis triggered by factors other than allergy is relatively is common and is called non-allergic rhinitis.  Non-allergicr triggers included infections, medications, and  irritants such as smoke, pollution, aerosol sprays, paint fumes, and fragrances. In some cases there is not a cause and the rhinitis is termed idiopathic. The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion and nasal discharge, as well as sneezing. Itching of the nose or eyes is much less common in non-allergic rhinitis than in allergic rhinitis. Non-allergic rhinitis is treated with avoidance of triggers as well as medications specifically targeted at the types of symptoms. Non-allergic rhinitis can be very complex and difficult to treat. It may coexist with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The presence of non-allergic rhinitis may even put you at a higher risk of developing asthma in the future!

Your BVAAC board-certified allergist is well-trained to care for the entire spectrum of rhinitis/nasal symptoms. Your allergist will evaluate you for a cause and, if necessary, control your non-allergic-rhinitis/nasal symptoms with medication and avoidance of trigger factors if indicated.  If you are troubled by non-allergic rhinitis/nasal symptoms, we encourage you to give us a call today at 208-378-0080 or click here to make an appointment request online.