Vasomotor Rhinitis

My husband was diagnosed with Vasomotor Rhinitis about 3 years ago.  He is a 36 year old male in great shape and good health BESIDES VR (Vasomotor Rhinitis).  He has suffered his whole life with what he considered an allergy until he was dx with VR by a very reputable ENT in Madison WI.  He grew up in Western Mass, has lived in Chicago, Virginia, Oregon (Portland) and now Madison, WI.  All places he has lived offer NO relief.  He has literally been sneezing, congested and in chronic "allergy" mode since December.  He has a career that will offer a job literally anywhere.  WE have 2 small children so moving to Iceland, not an option...BUT relocating within the US definitely something we HAVE to consider to bring him relief.  We notice the rapid or not so rapid change in Barometric pressure is the #1 contributing factor and then everything else secondary ie:scents of any kind, heat blowing, any sort of food cooking smell - cleaning, dust etc.  He is suffering more than ever and I am desperate to bring him relief...even if it means a move.  WE have researched and it looks like Honolulu and San Diego offer the least fluctuation in barometric pressure (both very expensive) What about Phoenix area?  Any suggestions as to a better climate for him and inevitably our children who are already showing signs?  Also any websites re Vasomotor Rhinitis would be helpful.  He is on every medication and at times has to take Benadryl to function (ironically one can't function well after taking Benadryl but he takes this only when he sneezes 4 million times and has no other options).  Thankfully he works in a Hospital with a good filtration system and that offers more relief than our home.  Thank you SO much

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Vasomotor rhinitis is believed to be caused by oversensitive or excessive blood vessels in the nasal membrane. Individuals suffering from vasomotor rhinitis typically experience symptoms year-round, though symptoms may exacerbate in the spring and fall when rapid weather changes are more common.Change in weather,temperature or barometric pressure are important causes of vasomotor rhinitis.

Treatment usually consists of oral decongestants,nasal sprays(saline,antihistaminic and steroid) and surgery in resistant cases.As asked,I am forwarding you a link that will give you a fair idea of this condition: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nonallergic-rhinitis/DS00809

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[Trixy33]

I, too have nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis and live in Colorado.  I would avoid Pheonix.  My symptoms react to the hot temperatures and it gets pretty hot in Phoenix. Does he do the nasal rinses with a water pik?  Also has he tried Allegra-D?  Allegra-D eliminated my symptoms, but it gave me terrible backaches.  However, not everyone has this reaction.

[jramirez]

My mom was just diagnosed today at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota with vasamotor  rhinitis.  She's been suffering with this condition for 10 years and she finally found a name for her condition.  In her case, she gets ill when it is humid or cold.  Since we live in Chicago, this happens almost always.

We found out a few months ago that her symptons go away when she is a dry climate.  They have since also moved to Arizona (Gilbert area) and she feel 100% down there.  

The docs at the Mayo clinic have suggested that she takes a nasal treatment and also start using an inhaler because she may have asthma also (asthma tests were negative).  

You may try a short vacation in Arizona to see if the dry weather helps.

By the way, here's info on this condition from the Mayo clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nonallergic-rhinitis/DS00809

[Judith614]

I'm a 71 yrold female diagnosed 3 mos ago w Chronic Nonallergic Vasomotor
Rhinitis.  Only the right side of my throat, nose, eye are affected.  I have 12-15 episodes daily of coughing, violent sneezing, nose running, eye watering.  
No congestion or thick mucous or phlegm.  I'm concerned about steroids possible damage to kidney/liver.  NOse sprays don't seem to help. I experience fatigue by late afternoon.  Eyes seem very tired most of the time
(maybe due to swelling).  How risky are corticosteroid spays for nose or drops for eyes? This has become a huge quality of life issue.  HELP!