Vasomotor rhinitis

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2010 Mar;10(2):84-91. doi: 10.1007/s11882-010-0089-z.

Abstract

Vasomotor rhinitis is a common disorder that is seen routinely in allergy practice. It affects millions of Americans and results in significant morbidity. The pathophysiology of this complex heterogeneous disorder is unknown, but we are making advances in this regard. Symptoms and signs can closely resemble those of allergic rhinitis and can be difficult to differentiate from those resulting from allergy. A careful history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing help clinicians arrive at a definitive diagnosis, but treatment can be challenging. Therapy should be based on the presenting symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis. Combination therapy with topical corticosteroids and azelastine is useful. However, in patients whose predominant symptom is rhinorrhea, use of atopical anticholinergic agents can be quite useful. Up-to-date pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment approaches are discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity / drug therapy
  • Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
  • Phthalazines / therapeutic use
  • Rhinitis, Vasomotor* / diagnosis
  • Rhinitis, Vasomotor* / drug therapy
  • Rhinitis, Vasomotor* / epidemiology
  • Rhinitis, Vasomotor* / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating
  • Phthalazines
  • azelastine