Non-allergic rhinitis - any experience with it? - YouLookFab Forum

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Non-allergic rhinitis - any experience with it?

elpgal

Veteran

I know it is a long shot but wanted to post here and see if ny of you have experience with this.

I had recently posted about dust-mites and everyone suggested I should get some testing done. I finally saw the allergist on Friday and they did a scratch test for about 40 allergens - dust mites, environmental allergens, pets, weeds etc and turns out I am allergic to NOTHING at all. Color me surprised as I have been on allergy medication for the past 10 years. The doctor instead diagnosed me with vasomotor rhinitis/non-allergic rhinitis. Bottom line is that I present with all the symptoms that allergy sufferers have but am not actually allergic. I am just responding to the particulate matter more than the actual biochemical composition of the allergens. I have been prescribed a nasal spray to see if it helps.

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Nebraskim

K.M.

Veteran

elpgal, I am not sure if I have much "official" advice to share, but reading your post made me think that I might have the same condition. I'm not allergic to anything that I know (though I was tested a very long time ago), and I certainly don't have the kind of hay fever/pollen and seasonal allergies my husband has. However, my nose becomes very runny and itchy with some triggers such as temperature change, smells, dust, and also if I get a cold.
Now, the reason I'm saying this is because I also have chronic sinus infections, and one doctor prescribed the anti-allergy nasal spray saying it might help. I didn't believe at first, since I didn't think I had allergies, but I gave it a try and was amazed at the results. The unstoppable runny-ness I get with a cold magically stopped (and therefore no sinus infection developed).
I don't use it regularly; only as needed (which is once or twice if I get a cold). The one I was prescribed (fluticasone something) can supposedly make you drowsy though I didn't notice a difference (but then again I used it before going to bed).
Not sure if any of this applies to you, but thought I would share.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have begun to develop this. So far, the worst triggers are exercise, cold weather (and coming indoors from it), spicy food or hot liquids. But sometimes it just happens no matter what. It seems to be hereditary in my case. My mother's nose is always running.

I haven't seen a doctor about it because it hasn't become unbearable yet. But I might do that. Meanwhile, I did read that sometimes, it can be caused or exacerbated by dehydration. Sounds counter intuitive, but it is important to drink lots of water. I guess maybe your body tries to "make up for it" if you are not hydrating. Or something.

Helena

Veteran

I have horrible congestion and a runny nose quite often, and no allergies. The nasal sprays did not work for me as they gave me nose bleeds; however, hopefully you will have a better experience and find relief with them; for some people I know they are like miracle cures.

The only thing I've found that really helps is, as Suz says, drinking lots of water. I think it works by thinning out the secretions so that they don't get all clogged up, but run through more easily (sorry for the gross description). I just got over a mild sinus infection (self-diagnosed, but I've had them before - sore teeth, cheek and eye along with stuffiness, etc). with hot compresses, a neti pot (I use one that's like a squeeze bottle rather than the little teapot thingy) and a drugstore decongestant. I also avoid things like red wine, that really get me going.

Not sure if that helps, but you're not alone - I feel your pain, or at least your annoyance!

K.M.

Veteran

Oh yes--Suz: I also have those same triggers! After I come out of a long swim my nose runs for an hour straight. And the coming indoors from the cold, and the spicy foods, or even just acidic foods, and the hot liquids too!

I need to make sure I have tissue boxes everywhere: car, office, all rooms in the house, purse...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

K.M. It's crazy, isn't it?

I still don't have it quite that bad -- I have periods where it is worse and better. But my mother is definitely in your position and I know I am heading there. It is just a matter of time.

The worst for me is at the gym whenever I have to do exercises that put me in a bent over position. Happens every time. Even doing the plank or something like that. Drives me insane!!

elpgal

Veteran

K.M., the spray I was prescribed (Dymista) has fluticasone with something else.

Suz, mine presents with simply congestion, no runny nose or post-nasal drip. Because I am perpetually congested, I can't sleep well. I find it bizarre that symptoms can be exacerbated by simple things like temperature, barometric pressure and even strong emotions (per my doc).

I do use the neti pot daily and also drink teas that reduce inflammation but it doesn't help a whole lot. Lots of water too, otherwise I get anxious.

I have been trying a gluten elimination diet. After testing negative for it on the allergy panel, I are a small amount and am extremely uncomfortable now. So I am not feeling very confident in the test results.

Louise

Veteran

Was dairy part of the allergy testing? Only my (male) cousin has suffered for the last year or so with sinus problems and runny nose eventually found a wonderful doctor who said his body was stuck in a 'state of allergic response' and needed resetting. He gave up wheat, gluten and dairy for several months and was only eating whole foods. Symptoms subsided and he's been able to slowly reintroduce the foods without much problem x

Anonymous

I too took prescription allergy medication for years only to find out that I have no allergies. I am sensitive to climate changes and changes in barometric pressure. I tried the prescription nasal spray Flonase and it really did not help and gave me severe nosebleeds.

I realized that some of my congestion and coughing at night was due to mild acid reflux. I try not to eat anything 3 to 4 hours before bedtime and sleep with a pillow wedge that I got at Sharper Image. The elevation helps my sinuses drain and keeps the acid reflux away.

Some of the things I do include:
1- I use saline spray a few times a day. It keeps my sinuses moisturized and helps me breathe better.
2- I discovered saline gel that I put around my nose and at night put some in my nostrils. Amazing how much this really helps at night.
3- If my sinuses get really clogged and my cheeks and ears start to hurt (by the way these were never infections and antibiotics did nothing) I use store brand pseudoephedrine (4-6hr strength) and that really decongests me. I only need for 1 to 2 days before I am totally better, but it makes me a bit jumpy so I don't take it right before bedtime.
4- I bought a personal humidifier made by Vicks and will use it if I get really stuffy and need quick relief. Takes 10 - 15 minutes.
5- I also have a ultrasonic diffuser (the Jasmine that I got at Sharper Image) and use essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint oils, etc. at night and it helps me breathe all night long. A big plus, it has also helped my husband with his snoring.

Anonymous

Sorry for the threadjack. Just wanted to tell Suz that if your congestion is bad when you do the plank you might have some acid reflux. When I told my doc this and he asked me about exercise in general, he said this could be the cause. I took Nexium for a period of time and when on the Nexium no congestion at all when I exercise, pilates, yoga, etc.

I do not take the Nexium anymore. I watch how much I eat at one seating, space my meals apart, do not wear constricting clothing ( he noted that he started seeing a lot of women who claimed acid reflux and had an aha moment when several of them were wearing Spanx when they saw him), and sleep on a pillow wedge which has helped me immensely.

Anonymous

Oh, my gosh elpgal, I think I get this too. Like Suz, exercise, spicy food, cold weather etc. all start me off. I continually have a blocked nose and puffy bags under my eyes. I'm going to keep coming back to this thread...

Scarlet

Veteran

Maybe try nasal lavage with epsom salts?

K.M.

Veteran

elpgal, oh, I didn't realize you only get the congestion without the runny nose. For me it's the runny nose. The spray almost magically stops the insane amount of fluid my nose can produce (I think the full name is fluticasone propionate). I think it's also supposed to make my nasal passages less swollen, so perhaps it would help you in this last regard. I also sometimes take a Zyrtec for this and it also helps.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Vasomotor rhinitis: what Suz said re the common triggers (nose runs like a tap when you eat hot soup or come in from outdoors). Temperature change/contrast really. In my mind it fits together with rosacea: both involve too-eager circulatory response in the face. So watching out for those triggers helps.

Some people, but not all, are helped by steroid nasal sprays (which also work in allergic rhinitis). There is another prescription nasal spray that also helps called ipatropium--essentially it turns off the tap.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have allergies so not quite the same but some of the symptoms are the same. I have a steroid spray but also use reactine (zyrtac in the US) when it is bad. I find there are two types of reactions. First is the sinus congestion with no nasal issues - runny or stuffy doesn't happy. These are the worst as the pain in my head can get quite intense. This seems to be caused by scents, solvents, flowers, wood dust and a few other things. I also have a few things that cause my eyes and nose to run. These are also usually scents and I have no idea why some cause the headache and some the runny nose. I had a facial yesterday and my head was fine but my nose was runny enough that the bottom is raw. Most cosmetics and skin creams cause this reaction so perhaps it is a chemical additive and not the scent (natural is just as bad as artificial).

I talked to my doctor about the allergies and she said that testing could identify a few specific allergens but there are so many potential causes that it would be impossible to identify all of them. I can figure out what some are and avoid and treat the rest. I also had a CT scan and it showed that I have a bit of an obstruction on one sinus cavity which makes it worse.

I hope you find relief. It can be quite limiting to suffer from this type of symptoms.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Lara.

I don't have congestion (well, not unless I have a cold). I have the runny nose version. So it's dripping when I do the plank! Or when I have to do a lot of bending over.

To be honest, I think in this case there MAY be a slight allergic component. I never had it to the same extent at my other gyms. This place has limestone walls and I wonder if they aren't irritating me somehow. I am going to do a bit of experimentation at the newer gym and compare.

Isabel

Veteran

I have allergies, but I also have non-allergy rhinitis. This year, it has been awful ! I do the spray every day and it does help a bit. You really have to stick with it for a while for your sinuses to start becoming un-inflamed. I have actually had to take oral steroids twice too to calm down my sinuses. Cold weather can do it too by drying out your sinus. I use saline from the drugstore and try to steam often. I am very sensitive to dust and dog dander ( we have two dogs )...so I do the best I can to keep a lid on that. The winter is always the worst for me with rhinitis.

Good Luck !!!!

elpgal

Veteran

Louise, the test included dairy, egg, wheat, strawberries, nuts and several other things I don't remember. Interesting about the immune system needing a break.

Scarlet: I'll have to look into that. I use regular rock salt in warm water. I have a huge box of epsom salts from my post-partum days.

K.M and Dianthus: Even when I have a cold, I never ever get a runny nose. It is always the sinus congestion, dark under-eyes and swollen nasal passages.

Diane: I also have year around dark under-eyes and folk are always asking me why I look so tired.

Lara: What is this nasal gel you speak of?

L'Abeille and Isabel: With allergies, you have some measure of control. Being aware of temperature and barometric-pressure is a totally new ball-game.

Suz: Interesting re. the limestone walls. The immune system is a picky beast.

Anonymous

It is Ayr saline gel. I get it at my local drugstore. The also have saline spray. This is the best brand of nasal saline products I have ever used.

lisaflex

Veteran

i have both - allergic and non allergic!!! yuck. constantly stuffy and lots of drainage to my throat - so much, it upsets my stomach at times. it just sucks to put it bluntly!!! i use saline often to keep passages moist, i steam daily, i take claritin d when i need it (almost daily) i use the 12 hr. have taken rx sprays, etc - nothing works. so i just deal with it. not good. change of weather is the worst.

Nebraskim

Veteran

Both my late father, and now my mother, suffered from non-stop runny noses due to heart meds they were prescribed. So it could be a med side effect. My dad always carried a little pack of tissues, and his grandson, who was three when my father died, told me he thinks of his grandpa when he sees Kleenex packs. This kid is now 11.