DEAR DR. GOTT:
What treatment is available for vasomotor rhinitis?

My 41-year-old daughter was diagnosed with this. She is married, has a daughter and lives in London. Her condition prevents her from working fulltime at any job. Please help!

DEAR READER:
Vasomotor rhinitis is a condition that causes a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. It is not caused by an infection or allergy. Symptoms are often triggered by certain medications, air pollution, strong emotions, dry atmosphere, spicy foods, or other irritants.

The condition is similar to that associated with minor upper respiratory infections and allergies but without an obvious cause. Without knowing what the triggers are, treatment can be difficult.

I suggest your daughter keep a journal of her daily activities and substances to which she is exposed. For example, are her symptoms worse when the air is dry or if she is upset? By keeping a daily record, she may be able to spot patterns that will then allow her to reduce or prevent contact with the offending trigger(s).

Decongestants and antihistamine or steroid nasal sprays may bring symptoms under better control. Your daughter should be under the care of an otolaryngologist (ear-nose-and-throat specialist). He or she can then help her develop a treatment plan.

Now to a related, but perhaps not medical, topic. You claim your daughter cannot hold down a full time job because of this condition. I find this incredibly hard to believe. She appears to be using this benign, yet annoying condition as an excuse. No one likes having a drippy nose or sneezing, but to claim it prevents full-time employment is, in my opinion, rubbish.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.