How to prepare for a video visit about Nonallergic Rhinitis

Audience: adult

Nonallergic rhinitis is a condition that causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose without an allergic cause. It often leads to nasal congestion, sneezing, or postnasal drip. Preparing for a video visit about nonallergic rhinitis can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers. They may suggest treatments such as nasal sprays or lifestyle changes. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to discuss your symptoms and get advice, but it is not a substitute for in-person care if symptoms are severe or worsening. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make your video visit more effective and comfortable.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever or signs of infection such as chills or severe headache — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Persistent or heavy nosebleeds that do not stop after applying pressure — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and triggers of nonallergic rhinitis
• Reviewing current medications and treatments
• Providing advice on nasal sprays and lifestyle changes
• Determining if in-person care is needed

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical nasal examinations
• Conducting allergy or nasal tests
• Managing severe breathing difficulties
• Treating complications like infections or severe nosebleeds

What is Nonallergic Rhinitis?

Nonallergic rhinitis causes nasal symptoms similar to allergies but without an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. It can be triggered by irritants like smoke, strong smells, weather changes, or infections. Unlike allergic rhinitis, it does not involve the immune system reacting to allergens.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms from home. The provider can review your history, ask about your symptoms, and suggest possible treatments. Telemedicine is useful for follow-up visits or when symptoms are mild to moderate. It can save time and reduce exposure to illnesses.

What to Prepare Before Your Video Visit

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What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Nonallergic Rhinitis

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience any of the following, seek urgent in-person medical attention:

These signs may indicate complications or other serious conditions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms with details on timing and severity.
• Note any known triggers or irritants.
• Prepare a list of current medications and nasal sprays.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Use prescribed nasal sprays or medications as directed.

FAQs

What causes nonallergic rhinitis?

Nonallergic rhinitis is often caused by irritants such as smoke, strong odors, changes in weather, infections, or certain medications. Unlike allergic rhinitis, it does not involve an allergic reaction.

Can nonallergic rhinitis be cured?

There is no cure for nonallergic rhinitis, but symptoms can often be managed with treatments like nasal sprays, avoiding triggers, and lifestyle changes.

Is a video visit enough to diagnose nonallergic rhinitis?

A video visit can help discuss symptoms and suggest treatments, but a physical exam or tests may be needed for a full diagnosis, especially if symptoms are severe or unclear.

What treatments are commonly recommended?

Doctors may recommend nasal saline sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays, or medications to reduce nasal congestion. Avoiding known triggers is also important.

When should I seek emergency care?

Seek emergency care if you have difficulty breathing, severe nosebleeds, high fever, or sudden worsening of symptoms.

Sources

1. Rhinitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Nonallergic Rhinitis: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Rhinitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or urgent concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.