What is the Difference Between Allergic Rhinitis and Vasomotor Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis are both conditions that cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, but they have different causes and characteristics.

Allergic Rhinitis:

• Occurs when an allergen triggers the nasal symptoms, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander.
• Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip.
• Often accompanied by other allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, nose, or throat, and watery eyes.
• Treatment usually involves avoiding allergens, taking antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids, and using decongestants.

Vasomotor Rhinitis:

• Also known as nonallergic rhinitis or idiopathic rhinitis.
• Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip.
• Caused by irritants like weather changes, certain smells, eating, exercise, or medications.
• Symptoms can significantly complicate management and impair quality of life.
• Treatment involves avoiding triggers, using topical nasal medications, and sometimes taking decongestants or other medications to relieve symptoms.

In summary, the main difference between allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis is the cause of the symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to allergens, while vasomotor rhinitis is caused by irritants or other triggers that inflame the nasal tissues. Treatment for both conditions may involve avoiding triggers, using nasal medications, and sometimes taking decongestants to relieve symptoms.

Comparative Table: Allergic Rhinitis vs Vasomotor Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis are two types of noninfectious rhinitis with different causes and symptoms. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

In summary, allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes caused by allergens, resulting in symptoms like clear rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and nasal obstruction. It is diagnosed through positive skin tests or RAST for specific allergens. On the other hand, vasomotor rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes not related to specific allergens, infections, or causations, and is characterized by nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and congestion. It is diagnosed through normal serum IgE levels and negative skin testing or RAST.