Vasomotor rhinitis

Question 1

what is the mechanism of vasomotor rhinitis?

Answer 1

Mechanism :
Unknown : may be due to over-activity of the nasal parasympathetic system :
* Vasodilatation of the blood vessels (congestion).
* Increased capillary permeability (oedema).
* Increased secretion of the sero-mucinous glands (rhinorrhoea).

Question 2

what is the etiology of vasomotor rhinitis?

Answer 2

Etiology :
* Environmental factors : irritants (as dust and tobacco) and changes in
humidity or temperature.
* Endocrinal factors : pregnancy, menopause, puberty, old age and
contraceptive pills.
* Drugs : anti-hypertensive and abuse of vasoconstrictive nasal drops
(called rhinitis medicamantosa).
* Psychogenic.

Question 3

clinical picture of vasomotor rhinitis

Answer 3

Clinical picture: Similar to allergic rhinitis but: - No itching. - Tests of allergy are negative.

Question 4

what is the ttt of vasomotor rhinitis?

Answer 4

Treatment :
* Prophylaxis : avoidance of predisposing factors.
* Psychological treatment (very important in many cases).
* Medical : antihistamines and steroids.
* Surgical : - For nasal obstruction : Polypectomy, partial turbinectomy and septoplasty. - For rhinorrhea : Vidian neurectomy : cutting of the nerve leads to
vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa.