Conditions and symptoms
What Is Perennial Nonallergic Rhinitis? Plain Guide
Perennial nonallergic rhinitis · say it: peh-REN-ee-ul non-uh-LER-jik ry-NY-tisAlso written: nonallergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, NAR
Short answer
Perennial nonallergic rhinitis is a year-round runny or blocked nose that is not caused by an allergy.
What it means
Rhinitis means inflammation of the lining of the nose, causing a runny, blocked or stuffy nose, sneezing or postnasal drip. 'Perennial' means it happens all year rather than in one season. 'Nonallergic' means tests do not show an allergy behind it. Triggers can include strong smells, smoke, changes in temperature or weather, alcohol, spicy food and some medicines.
The term appears on some nasal spray labels, such as certain steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays, under 'Indications', because they are approved for this type as well as allergic rhinitis. Some labels name it to make clear which types of rhinitis the product was studied for.
It is different from perennial allergic rhinitis, which is caused by year-round allergens such as dust mites or pet dander, and from hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Overusing decongestant nasal sprays can cause a 'rebound' blocked nose, which is another, separate cause.
Where you may see it
- The 'Indications and Usage' section of some nasal spray labels
- ENT and allergy clinic letters
- Allergy test reports that come back negative
📄 How it looks on a report
Indicated for the treatment of nasal symptoms associated with perennial nonallergic rhinitis in adults.
🙅 What it does not mean
- A negative allergy test does not mean your symptoms are imagined; nonallergic rhinitis is a recognised condition.
- It is not a cold or infection, which usually clears within a couple of weeks.
- Allergy tablets may not help as much, because there is no allergy behind it.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Perennial nonallergic rhinitis”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Fluticasone Propionate
A corticosteroid, which is a steroid medicine, given as a nasal spray
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Perennial nonallergic rhinitis” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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