& A L E R T A Publication of Asthma & Allergy Affiliates of the North Shore James A MacLean MD Jeanne E. Gose MD, PhD Highland Medical Park Hunt Medical Building Willow Professional Park Andrew I. Ober, MD 114R Highland Ave. 80 Lindall Street 865 Turnpike ST. Cristina Palumbo MD Salem, MA 01970 Danvers, MA 01923 N. Andover, MA 01845 Eyal Oren, MD (978) 745-3711 (978) 777-0970 (978) 683-6256 Non-Allergic At least one out of three people with nasal symptoms caused by nasal decongestant sprays, when they are have no . Non- usually used by some people for long periods of time there afflicts adults and causes tends to be a rebound effect where year-round symptoms, worsens when the medication wears off. This type of especially runny nose and medication-induced rhinitis is also called rhinitis nasal congestion . This medicamentosa . problem differs from allergic rhinitis because Treatment the immune system does Nasal steroids as well as nasal sprays not seem to be involved. have been found helpful in relieving most of the Unfortunately, we do not symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. have good understanding of why non-allergic Nasal steroids are particularly helpful if there is rhinitis occurs. in the nose. If the nose is runny, ipratropium nasal spray can provide relief and/or be Some people with non-allergic rhinitis have a protective measure. If inflammation in their nose and sinuses. In the most nasal congestion is a severe forms of this problem, patients have polyps, major problem, nasal which are growths on the mucus membranes of the s t e r o i d s , n a s a l nose that block the airflow in the nose. Patients with a n t i h i s t a m i n e s , o r these problems also suffer from loss of the sense of decongestant pills may smell. In other forms of non-allergic rhinitis there is be used. Decongestant very little if any inflammation in the nose and the pills should be used with symptoms are mostly triggered by strong smells, caution in those with high blood pressure as they can pollution, barometric pressure changes, smoke and affect heart rate and blood pressure as well as cause other irritants. Some doctors call this condition sleeplessness and jitteriness. vasomotor rhinitis. By learning about the causes and symptoms of Symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis can be caused by various forms of rhinitis, you will be better able to medications as side-effects. These include some identify your symptoms and triggers. Your allergist/ blood pressure medicines, oral contraceptives, or immunologist can assist by making an accurate medications used for erectile dysfunction. The most diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan common form of this type of non-allergic rhinitis is for you. www.allergynorthshore.com 3/6/09