Vasomotor rhinitis. A review and management by intranasal cryotherapy

Vasomotor rhinitis is a common form of autonomic nasal dysfunction that is frequently confused with other nasal disorders. Although some clinical features are common to all forms of rhinitis, it is usually possible on the basis of the patient's history and a physical examination, together with the results of special investigations, to arrive at an accurate diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms of nasal dysfunction. This article reviews the clinical and pathological features, differential diagnosis, and management of vasomotor rhinitis and reports a study of 110 patients treated between 1979 and 1983 by the application of cryotherapy to the mucosa overlying the inferior turbinate bones.