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Nasal inflammation can be caused by allergies or other conditions and irritants.
You may have more than one type of nasal inflammation. For instance, you could have nasal allergies complicated by a nonallergic nasal inflammation, nasal polyps, or a nose deformity such as a deviated septum. Only your doctor can accurately diagnose whether allergies or something else is causing your nasal symptoms. However, the chart below can help:
| Type | Triggers/Causes | Symptoms | Duration |
| Allergic |
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|
|
| Seasonal | Pollen, some molds | Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, postnasal drip | Seasonal (spring, summer, fall, winter) in most climates |
| Perennial (year-round) | Dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, mold spores | Runny nose, congestion, sneezing. postnasal drip, watery, itchy eyes | All year as long as allergens are present |
| Nonallergic |
|
|
|
| Irritant (vasomotor) | Fumes, perfumes, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, weather, stress, some types of medications, sometimes unknown | Runny nose, congestion, less sneezing and itching | All year whenever irritants are present |
| Eosinophilic | Blood cell reaction, changes in the environment | Runny nose, congestion, less sneezing and itching | As long as substance causing symptoms present |
| Neutrophilic | Blood cell reaction, sinus infections, other infections | Runny nose, congestion, less sneezing and itching | As long as infection present |
| Structural | Deformity, damage to nose | Runny nose, congestion, less sneezing and itching | As long as deformity or injury present |
| Hormonal | Pregnancy or hypothyroidism | Runny nose and more congestion than other forms of nasal inflammation | Second month to term for pregnancy-related, or until thyroid condition is treated |
| Infectious (cold/flu) | Cold/flu viruses | Runny nose, congestion, less sneezing and itching, fever, muscle aches | 7 to 10 days |
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