Allergic vs non-allergic rhinitis-know the difference
Rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions. Globally over 400 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis. (worldallergy.org)
It is a condition arising due to nasal irritation or inflammation. Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of rhinitis. The general symptoms are as follows:
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Constant sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose, ear, eyes, throat
- Watery eyes
- Post-nasal discharge
It is our common understanding that if we find ourselves sneezing repeatedly without any probable cause it must be due to some allergic reaction. However, it isn’t always so.
Non-allergic rhinitis has symptoms very similar to allergic rhinitis symptoms. Let’s have a look at some of these.
Symptoms of Non-Allergic Rhinitis
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip
As you can see, they are not very different from the common symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is therefore important to understand how they are different from each other to help you deal with the condition in a better and informed way.
Difference between Allergic and Non-Allergic rhinitis
Cause of reaction:
In allergic rhinitis, the symptoms are triggered because of an immune system response. An allergic reaction occurs when our immune system overreacts to an allergen.
In case of non-allergic rhinitis, the immune system is not involved. The reaction can occur due to any of the following causes:
- Viral infections
- Irritants in the environment like odours, smog, perfume or second-hand smoke
- Changes in the weather
- Spicy or hot foods or drinks
- Medicines such as painkillers, sedatives, beta-blockers, antidepressants and oral contraceptives to name a few.
- Hormonal changes related to menstruation or pregnancy
- Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays
- Hypothyroidism
- Stress
Symptoms:
Along with incessant sneezing, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis commonly include watery eyes, itchy nose and a scratchy throat. Non-allergic rhinitis does not include these symptoms.
Prevalence:
Allergies are not restricted to any age-group or gender and can thus affect anyone. However, you are more at risk of developing allergic rhinitis if you have a family history of allergies or suffer from any underlying conditions like asthma, atopic eczema and so on.
Non-allergic rhinitis is more common in people over 35 years of age. People suffering from it need not have a family history of allergies or any symptoms associated with pets, being outdoors during spring, or fragrances.
These are some of the major points of distinction between these two common types of rhinitis.
An important similarity in them is that just like allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis does not have a cure. But its symptoms can definitely be managed with the right medical treatment.
Homeopathic Treatment for Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Homeopathy is a natural and safe way to treat rhinitis. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural ingredients and are hence free from any side-effects. These medicines also do not form any dependency and can be safely taken over a period of time. Rhinitis treatment in homeopathy does not suppress the existing symptoms but goes to the root cause of the ailment and treats it, thus providing long-term relief. Homeopathic remedies are unique for each individual, based on the specific causes and symptoms of each person. Homeopathic treatment also addresses the underlying causes of your rhinitis and treats them. It therefore ensures holistic healing.
In a study published in Karger Journal, 123 patients with a history of allergic rhinitis were administered a complex homeopathic remedy and observed for a period of four weeks. The results showed that majority of their symptoms had improved substantially. It also showed an improvement in the overall quality of life of the patients.
Dr Batra’s® has treated more than 1 lakh people over the last 35 years through the natural and safe medium of homeopathy. If you want to understand how homeopathy can help you find relief from allergic or non-allergic rhinitis book an appointment today https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment. Our homeopathic specialist, after a thorough understanding of your specific causes and symptoms, will guide you towards the best homeopathic treatment for you.
