PubMED Search Nonallergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, characterized by a runny nose and stuffiness and usually caused by an infection. The nose is the most commonly infected part of the upper airways.
Acute rhinitis is the usual sign of a cold.
It can be caused by a variety of viruses and by bacteria. If it's caused by bacteria, a doctor identifies the bacteria and prescribes an appropriate antibiotic. If the rhinitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. In either case, symptoms can be relieved by taking phenylephrine as a nasal spray or pseudoephedrine by mouth. These drugs, available over the counter, cause the blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane to constrict.