MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vasomotor rhinitis

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Vasomotor rhinitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Nasal mucosa

Definition Return to top

Vasomotor rhinitis is a chronic running nose (rhinitis) that is characterized by intermittent (coming and going) episodes of sneezing, watery nasal drainage (rhinorrhea), and blood-vessel congestion of the nasal mucus membranes.

There appears to be a hypersensitive response to stimuli such as a dry atmosphere, air pollutants, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions, and some medications. There is no infection or allergy causing these symptoms.

Update Date: 10/12/2003

Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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