Nonallergic Rhinitis Remedies

Nonallergic rhinitis is the inflammation of the membranes within the nasal passages that prompts the release of mucus. But this form of rhinitis isn't actually due to an allergen, as would be seen in hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis. It is more a result of an irritant or a trigger, like dust, smoke, perfume, humidity or even alcohol and spicy foods. Fortunately, when you suffer from nonallergic rhinitis, there are a number of remedies available to bring you relief, most of which can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Self-Care

• For the most part, you should be able to find relief from nonallergic rhinitis through the use of a few simple self-care methods. To start treating this particular condition, identify the triggers that cause your particular rhinitis. Pay attention to time, place and anything out of the ordinary that could be linked to a flare-up. Once you isolate whether or not certain substances trigger a reaction within your nasal passages, avoid them whenever possible.

  If you're already in throws of a reaction, rinse out your nasal passages with saline or water. The nasal passageways are simply reacting to an irritant, much like they would to an allergen. When you're exposed to an irritant, microscopic particles become lodged within the membranes. Most of the time, these specks of dust, smoke or perfume cause no problems. But from someone with nonallergic rhinitis, they can cause a reaction. By rinsing the area with saline or water you can free the particles and find relief.

  To further remedy nonallergic rhinitis, start using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. While this isn't a cure for the condition, it does help to loosen and clear the membranes of both the irritant and subsequent mucus. After the membranes are loose, you'll have a much easier time blowing the nose and ridding the irritant from your passageways.

Medications

• When self-care isn't enough to help remedy nonallergic rhinitis, turn to more medicinal forms of treatment. Start off by taking an oral decongestant. Since the nasal passageways are inflamed, you first want to reduce the swelling of the membranes. Once this is achieved, congestion lessens and you feel much better.

  If this class of medication doesn't work, try a medicated spray. These come in a myriad of different substances, some prescription and some nonprescription. Antihistamine, corticosteroid and decongestant sprays all work under the same premise. When the medicated solution is sprayed into the nostrils, it lessens inflammation and thereby reduces nasal congestion. Your doctor can best suggest the proper nasal spray for your specific form of nonallergic rhinitis, so make an appointment at your earliest convenience.