Non-allergic nasal inflammation - Why do some people experience hay fever symptoms without actually having an allergy?
Springtime is the season when hay fever rears its ugly head for approximately 12 million individuals in Germany. These sufferers endure discomfort due to the pollen from trees such as hazel, alder, and birch as these substances provoke symptoms like itchy eyes, sore throats, shortness of breath, and stuffy or runny noses, accompanied by a whole lot of sneezing.
However, it's not always hay fever when the upper airways are up in arms and all symptoms seem to point to hay fever. There are certain individuals who display indicators of an allergy but whose test results claim otherwise. This can make for expensive diagnoses.
The persistent cold: Not hay fever?
At times, typical allergy symptoms that impact the nose can also be the result of non-allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. This occurrence is mainly due to viruses, but it's not always the case. The inflammation triggers the mucous membrane to enlarge and secrete more mucus.
As the name suggests, non-allergic rhinitis's symptoms are comparable to those of allergic rhinitis, ranging from itchy noses to sneezing and copious mucus production, as well as a congested nose. These symptoms can occur at various points throughout the year, not only during season changes. Unlike allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis is not sparked by an infection or triggers like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Experts haven't entirely figured out what triggers non-allergic persistent rhinitis as it is influenced by various environmental stimuli. Research shows that approximately 25 to 50% of rhinitis patients suffer from this sort of condition.
The various types of non-allergic rhinitis
The term non-allergic rhinitis encompasses several types of rhinitis, each featuring distinct symptoms and triggers.
For instance, hormonal rhinitis can strike during pregnancy. Non-allergic rhinitis that manifests due to aging is referred to as senile rhinitis. Gustatory rhinitis occurs after devouring spicy food, while drug-induced rhinitis is brought on by certain medications like anti-rheumatics or beta-blockers. Lastly, occupational rhinitis is caused by regular exposure to certain substances, such as chemical vapors at work.
Idiopathic rhinitis is the most prevalent type, characterized by a chronic runny nose that can't be assigned to a specific trigger. While some people are sensitive to cigarette smoke, others are affected by strong food odors or perfumes. Additionally, a change in temperature or stress can change the rhinitis's nature.
If non-allergic rhinitis results in eye symptoms, such as tearing or eye irritation, it's referred to as non-specific conjunctivitis. If the bronchial tubes are afflicted, causing difficulty breathing and coughing, this is termed non-specific bronchial hyperactivity.
Treating rhinitis
Though non-allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, the continuous runny nose associated with it can take a toll on the patient and severely hamper their daily life. Identifying the specific type of non-allergic rhinitis you suffer from is crucial. A doctor's consultation can lead to the most suitable treatment, which may even involve prescription medication.
Meanwhile, you can take the following steps to alleviate most forms of non-allergic rhinitis:
- Identify triggers: Keep track of your symptoms to recognize probable triggers.
- Avoid known triggers: Once you've determined your triggers, minimize your exposure to them. This could be certain foods, fumes, or strong scents.
- Regular ventilation: Frequent airing out of your home will enhance air quality and filter out potential irritants.
- Avoid smoking: Steer clear of secondhand smoke and cut back on your own smoking, as tobacco smoke can intensify non-allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Maintain nasal hygiene: Regularly cleanse your nasal cavity with saline water or nasal rinses to eliminate excess mucus.
- Stress reduction: Stress exacerbates non-allergic rhinitis symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to combat stress.
- A healthy lifestyle: Adopt a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and get enough rest to fortify your immune system and minimize non-allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Consult a specialist: If your symptoms are severe or fail to subside, consult a specialist and discuss a personalized treatment strategy.
References: Robert Koch Institute, National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Quarks, MSD Manuals, My Allergy Portal
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Source: www.stern.de
