By Eric Sandberg, M.D., Allergist, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fort Bend Medical & Diagnostic Center
It’s allergy time in Texas, but not every runny nose is because of an allergy. Nor is it necessarily the common cold or COVID-19. It may be nonallergic rhinitis that’s causing chronic sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose. Understanding the difference is important for treatment.
Nonallergic rhinitis, sometimes called vasomotor rhinitis, doesn’t involve our immune system reacting to an allergen. Rather, nonallergic rhinitis is thought to result from environmental irritants—think smoke or smog in the air—or even just overusing nasal allergy medicine. In fact, in a lot of cases, the true cause can’t be pinpointed with certainty.
Nonallergic rhinitis can cause chronic sneezing, congestion, or runny nose, symptoms similar to those of hay fever (otherwise known as allergic rhinitis), and other conditions, including the common cold and COVID-19, so it can be difficult to tell what condition you’re dealing with and what treatment you should seek.
Generally, colds cause comparatively mild symptoms, and typically don’t result in serious complications. A runny or stuffy nose is a prevalent sign of having a cold. Plus, with a cold, your symptoms usually reach their peak within three days.
Worried it may be COVID-19? Sneezing is common for both nonallergic rhinitis and for an airborne allergic reaction, though rare in cases of COVID-19.
Neither seasonal allergies nor nonallergic rhinitis can be cured, but many people find relief by avoiding triggers, using a saline rinse solution, or by taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. And because the symptoms for nonallergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis are similar, allergy testing is often recommended to rule out the latter.
As with all health concerns, seeking an accurate diagnosis is important to manage your condition appropriately. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and they will help you find the right course of treatment—whether that’s prescribed medication, recommending an over-the-counter nasal spray, or just plenty of rest.
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