aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Factors associated with hyperreactive rhinitis include:

  • irritants such as cigarette smoke
  • hormonal factors:
    • pregnancy
    • "old mans drip" - hyperreactivity to small changes in temperature in elderly men; may respond to testosterone
    • acromegaly
  • drugs:
    • adrenergic neurone blocking agents e.g. guanethidine
    • peripheral vasodilators - as used in the treatment of migraine and peripheral vascular disease
  • autonomic imbalance due to emotions such as stress and sexual arousal
  • following upper respiratory tract infection