There are 2 main types of rhinitis, including:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Non-allergic
Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for nasal allergies.Some people refer to seasonal nasal allergies as hayfever. But allergic rhinitis can also last year-round, if you are allergic to things like dust, mold, or animals.
Allergic rhinitis is quite common in people who have asthma.
Non-allergic rhinitis is the medical term for a year-round irritability of the nasal passages that occurs mostly in adults and is not a result of an overreaction of the immune system to allergens. Rather it appears to be more related to irritants such as strong smells, pollution, smoke and other irritating substances.
Non-allergic rhinitis, which is also called vasomotor rhinitis, can also be caused by medications, especially blood pressure medicines, oral contraceptives, or medications used for erectile dysfunction, as well as overuse of nasal decongestant sprays. When rhinitis is caused by medication, it is called rhinitis medicamentosa.
If you're having symptoms of rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, or stuffy nose, it's important to find out what's triggering them, because treatment may differ. It's always a good idea to talk with your doctor before starting any new treatment, especially if you are already taking asthma medicine.
