For vasomotor rhinitis, which treatment is considered the drug of choice?

In the management of vasomotor rhinitis, intranasal steroids are considered the drug of choice due to their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and nasal symptoms. Vasomotor rhinitis is characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sneezing that can be triggered by irritants, weather changes, or stress, rather than allergens.

Intranasal steroids provide a targeted approach to controlling these symptoms by acting directly on the nasal mucosa, helping to decrease the inflammatory response and providing relief. They are typically well-tolerated and can lead to significant improvements for patients suffering from this condition.

While antihistamines may be effective in treating allergic rhinitis, they may not provide sufficient relief for vasomotor rhinitis, which does not primarily result from allergic triggers. Oral medications can be helpful for symptomatic relief but often do not address the inflammation as effectively as intranasal steroids. Saline nasal irrigation can assist in moisturizing and clearing the nasal passages, but it is not considered a first-line treatment for the inflammation associated with vasomotor rhinitis.