Chronic non-allergic rhinitis: how to recognize and treat it

Not all colds are created equal. Those that science calls rhinitis, in fact, represent a wide variety that does not stop with the common cold transmitted by a virus or linked to an allergic reaction.Therefore, among the numerous types, we find chronic non-allergic rhinitis, also defined as "non-specific" precisely because of the difficulty of the doctor in classifying them.

Recognizing them, and therefore formulating a clear diagnosis, is not an easy task because they have some nasal cells that "mimic", that is, they behave exactly as in the case of allergic rhinitis. But if before it seemed difficult to orient oneself in the world of non-allergic rhinitis, it has recently been possible to proceed with the classification of some of these. In the case of NARES (chronic non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis), for example, some cells that contain proteins that are harmful to the cells of the nasal mucosa affect the structure that connects the cells together. The result is damage to the barrier function performed by the mucosa. It therefore becomes important for the patient to carry out an analysis of the nasal cells to identify those that may represent a threat to the proper functioning of our nose.

How to intervene?

Some suggestions indicate avoiding sudden changes in temperature, as well as prolonged exposure to the sun or taking certain medications. In addition, alongside the traditional methods that recommend combining some drugs used against allergic rhinitis with nasal washes with isotonic saline solutions or sulphurous thermal waters, there is a novelty: nebulized hyaluronic acid.

Thanks to its properties, this product, which we find on the market as 0.3% sodium hyaluronate, has an anti-inflammatory action and restores the integrity of the damaged nasal mucosa. The effectiveness of nebulized hyaluronic acid, taken together with intranasal corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines, was confirmed by a recent study which also ensured a high tolerability of the product.


In collaboration with Il Portale della Salute

See also

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