Doctor, I Think I’m Allergic to Cold Air!
Understanding Vasomotor Rhinitis (a.k.a. The Overreacting Nose)
“Doctor, every time I walk into an air-cond room, I start sneezing.
Cold air allergy lah!”
“Doctor, when I smell perfume… also sneeze!”
I hear this every week.
And here’s the truth you may not expect:
You are NOT ALLERGIC to cold air.
Or perfume.
Or cigarette smoke.
What you’re experiencing is something called vasomotor rhinitis — the nose version of being too sensitive for its own good.
Let me explain.
Your Nose Isn’t Allergic — It’s Just Irritated
If you already have allergic rhinitis, your nose is inflamed.
When it’s inflamed, it becomes hypersensitive.
Suddenly, harmless things feel like big triggers:
- Cold air
- Strong smells
- Cigarette smoke
- Weather changes
- Humidity shifts
- Even stress or spicy food
Your nose reacts like:
“Aiyoh, attack incoming — release mucus now!”
And off it goes.
Sneezing. Dripping. Blocking. The full drama.
This is vasomotor rhinitis — your nose overreacting to things that are not allergens.
Allergic vs Vasomotor — How to Tell the Difference
A simple rule of thumb:
If your nose is itchy → think allergy.
If it’s just reacting for no good reason → think vasomotor.
- Allergic rhinitis = immune system response (dust mites, pollen, pets)
- Vasomotor rhinitis = nerve sensitivity and swollen nasal lining
(no immune system involved)
Sometimes, patients have both — and that’s when the nose goes full drama queen.
So… Is Testing Needed?
Yes — but for the right reason.
We don’t test for “perfume allergy” or “cold air allergy”.
We test to see if you have dust mite or real allergen triggers that are inflaming the nose — because that is what makes vasomotor symptoms worse.
Once we treat the underlying allergic rhinitis, the reactive “cold air sneezing” usually improves on its own.
Why Does Your Nose Do This?
Inside your nose are tiny nerves.
In vasomotor rhinitis, these nerves are basically Emo, Kan-Cheong, Perasan
They jump at everything.
Cold air?
Respond.
Perfume?
Respond.
Humidity change?
Respond.
It’s like a K-Drama romance — overreacting to every small thing.
Treatment: Calming the Overreacting Nose
1. Fix the underlying allergy first
Because allergic inflammation fuels vasomotor symptoms.
2. Nasal sprays (different sprays for different drama)
- Antihistamine spray → fast relief
- Steroid spray → reduce long-term inflammation
- Ipratropium spray → great for runny nose
3. Practical lifestyle tips
- Warm up before walking into cold malls
- Avoid sudden hot–cold temperature shifts
- Choose fragrance-free products
- Keep humidity stable (around 40–60%)
- Use an air purifier if needed
Small changes. Big difference.
Who Usually Gets This?
Not just allergy patients.
- Adults in cold malls and cold offices
- People exposed to perfume or smoke
- Malaysians dealing with humidity swings
- Those with underlying allergic rhinitis
- People with naturally sensitive nasal nerves
If this sounds like you — you’re not alone.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Sneezing attacks daily
- Always runny or blocked nose
- Symptoms affecting sleep or work
- Medications not helping
- You’re simply tired of your nose controlling your life
Come and let The Allergy Immunology Clinic help you decode what your nose is actually trying to say.
Final Word
Vasomotor rhinitis is annoying, but it’s manageable.
Once we calm the inflammation and reset the sensitivity, your nose stops reacting to every little thing.
And you finally get your air-cond life back.
