Learn About Nonallergic Rhinopathy
Rhinitis is a condition that includes a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness. When environmental allergies (such as hay fever) or a cold are not causing these symptoms, the condition is called nonallergic rhinitis. One type of nonallergic rhinitis is called nonallergic rhinopathy. This condition used to be known as vasomotor rhinitis.
Rhinitis - nonallergic; Idiopathic rhinitis; Nonallergic rhinitis; Vasomotor rhinitis; Irritant rhinitis
Nonallergic rhinopathy is not caused by an infection or allergy. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms are triggered by something that irritates the nose, such as:
- A dry atmosphere
- Air pollution
- Alcohol
- Certain medicines
- Spicy foods, and in some cases, while eating in general
- Strong emotions
- Strong odors, such as perfumes, cleaning products (especially bleach) among others
Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Sneezing
- Watery nasal drainage
The main treatment is simply avoiding the things that trigger your symptoms.
Ask your provider if decongestants or nasal sprays containing an antihistamine are right for you. Corticosteroid nasal sprays may be useful for some forms of nonallergic rhinopathy.
The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center
. Dr. Jones is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonallergic Rhinopathy. His top areas of expertise are Ozena, Nonallergic Rhinopathy, Empyema, and Sinusitis.
Greeneville ENT Specialists
. Dr. Abernathy is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonallergic Rhinopathy. Her top areas of expertise are Throat Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Meniere Disease, Infant Hearing Loss, and Balloon Sinuplasty.
Proliance Surgeons
Jonathan Kopelovich, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist, who cares for problems that affect the head, neck, ear, nose and throat. He has additional board-certification and fellowship training in complex pediatric otolaryngology and has extensive experience in airway, craniofacial and ear surgery for children. Dr. Kopelovich believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to caring for every child.Raised on the gulf coast of Florida, Dr. Kopelovich pursued higher education in Philadelphia. He graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, then attended Jefferson Medical College and spent an additional year at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia devoted to cochlear implant research in children.Inspired by these experiences, Dr. Kopelovich completed otolaryngology residency and a neurobiology research fellowship at the University of Iowa, followed by a fellowship year in pediatric ENT at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. While training, he focused on diseases affecting breathing, sleep, facial development and hearing. In addition to a stellar publication record, Dr. Kopelovich is passionate about decreasing the environmental impact of medicine. Since starting in practice with Bellevue Ear Nose and Throat, Dr. Kopelovich has organized and led multiple interdisciplinary provider groups in King County to help coordinate care for children with complicated head and neck issues. Additionally, he serves as the pediatric otolaryngology consultant for four neonatal ICUs.Dr. Kopelovich lives on Mercer Island with his wife, Rachel, a Seattle native and acupuncturist, and their three children. He enjoys hiking and skiing with his family in the Cascades and is an avid fan of all elements of hip hop culture. Dr. Kopelovich is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonallergic Rhinopathy. His top areas of expertise are Hearing Loss, Enlarged Adenoids, Stridor, and Low Nasal Bridge.
Contact your provider if you think you have symptoms of nonallergic rhinopathy.
Published Date: April 03, 2025
Published By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, FACS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Corren J, Baroody FM, Togias A. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40.
Yan CH, Hwang PH. Nonallergic rhinitis. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 39.