Non-allergic rhinitis
Overview
Non-allergic rhinitis happens when the inside of your nose becomes irritated, causing a blocked or runny nose. It can be treated with medicines from a pharmacist or GP.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are: a blocked or runny nosesneezingan itchy nosea reduced sense of smell Sometimes non-allergic rhinitis can also cause a crust to form inside the nose. This may have a bad smell and bleed if you try to remove it.
Causes
Common causes of non-allergic rhinitis include: having a coldchanges in the weather, such as temperature or humidityexercisingsmoke, perfume and paint fumesalcohol and spicy foodhormone changes in pregnancy or puberty, or from taking medicines such ashormone replacement therapy (HRT)and thecontraceptive pillconditions such as anunderactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)medicines such as ACE inhibitors,beta blockers,aspirinand anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofenusingdecongestant nasal spraystoo often Non-allergic rhinitis is different fromallergic rhinitis, which is caused by allergies such as hay fever.
Treatment
Non-allergic rhinitis often gets better on its own without any treatment. If needed, a GP may prescribe stronger medicine, such as prescription nasal sprays. They may also change any medicine you're taking if they think it may be causing your symptoms. You may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment if it's not clear what's causing your symptoms or they're severe.