Nasal symptoms can be due to a variety of causes, including allergies, infection, enlarged adenoids or a deviated septum. Additionally, non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) affects 20% of the population who have symptoms of nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. In a normal adult, over one quart of nasal secretions are produced per day and subsequently swallowed without notice. It is only when the amount or characteristic of nasal secretions change that you become aware of it. These secretions often become thickened, with an increased quantity of mucous which seems to be most noticeable when they pool in the throat. To complicate matters further, the nose, primarily designed to "condition" inspired air by providing humidity, warmth and serve as a filtering device, contains several large structures (turbinates) that purposely disrupt airflow. With time, mechanisms that control the proper amount of fluid in the turbinates seems to malfunction, and nasal tissue swelling may increase causing persistent nasal congestion. The last piece to the puzzle involves the presence of nerves within the nose. Some of these nerves are classified as irritant receptors. That is, certain chemicals trigger these nerves to fire, releasing chemicals that disrupt nasal tissue, leading to congestion, post-nasal drip, sore throats, and even headaches. Although not entirely proven, such chronic irritation and swelling may lead to recurrent episodes of sinusitis.

    Patients are frequently confused regarding the difference between NAR and nasal allergies which primarily have their effect by inappropriate stimulation of the immune system by certain substances found in pollen, mold spores, mites, and dander. NAR, on the other hand, is triggered by small airborne molecules, particularly those that are scented, including perfumes, colognes, tobacco smoke, cleaning solutions, and potpourri to name a few. Additionally, changes in the air temperature (especially cold) and blowing dust may further worsen symptoms.

    NAR frequently worsens with age, most notably after the age of 30 years. It also exists in young children, in whom inexplicable nasal symptoms may have been previously attributed to as allergic in origin. Furthermore, both NAR and nasal allergies can be found in the same individual.

    Treatment for NAR is less specific than what is provided for allergies. In fact, except for allergy shots, the medications used are similar in both disorders. In the next few years, new medications will be introduced into this country that will benefit NAR patients more significantly than allergic patients. However, although therapy for NAR is not fully refined at present, most patients, with current treatment, receive benefit to some degree. In addition, unlike allergies which frequently "wind down" between 40 - 50 years of age, NAR typically progresses due to repeated daily irritant exposures.

    Also, certain environmental precautions may reduce current symptoms, or delay the progression of this disorder. Therefore, it is recommended that irritants be avoided, especially cigarette smoke and strong scented products. Proper cleaning and humidity control are also important. A comfortable humidity is 40 - 50%. DO NOT humidify your home unless you know the humidity. A humidity gauge can be purchased for $6 - 8 at most discount department stores.

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