What should you know about non allergic rhinitis?

Symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, throat clearing and mucus draining into the throat. Smoke, strong smells, cold air, humidity changes, exercise and spicy meals can stimulate sensitive nasal nerves. Some medicines and hormonal changes may have a similar effect. It is different from allergic rhinitis, in which the immune system reacts to a specific allergen. Nasal symptoms can overlap with sinusitis, chronic sinusitis or a common infection, so duration, triggers and discharge help guide an assessment. Nasal inflammation can also disturb sleep and contribute to cough.

Keep a simple symptom diary and note exposures, sleep disruption, medicines and whether symptoms affect one or both sides. Reduce exposure to smoke and scented aerosols, ventilate rooms, and try a saline spray or rinse if it feels comfortable. A clinician may examine the nose, review medicines and decide whether a nasal treatment is appropriate. Do not add, stop or prolong medication without checking its directions. If you also have wheeze, discuss the connection with [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/); persistent throat mucus may relate to [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/).

Book an appointment when symptoms persist, interfere with sleep or work, or keep returning despite avoiding triggers. Prompt assessment is sensible for one-sided obstruction, repeated nosebleeds, facial swelling, facial pain, fever, foul-smelling mucus or a lasting change in smell. Seek urgent care for marked breathing difficulty, swelling around the eye, confusion or a severe headache with neck stiffness.

How can we distinguish irritation from allergy or sinus disease? Could any of my medicines contribute? Which nasal treatment is suitable for my symptoms? Could my night-time blockage be affecting sleep or breathing?