Perennial non-allergic rhinitis (PNAR) affects 35 million Americans, however, according to a new study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's 61st annual meeting, most people with rhinitis do not know what PNAR is -- and cannot state whether they suffer from it -- unless given examples of the environmental factors that trigger it. Lack of knowledge of the condition may result in patients not receiving the appropriate therapy for their nasal symptoms.

A web-based survey of 600 self-reported rhinitis sufferers found that, when asked, "Do you suffer from perennial non-allergic rhinitis?," 59 per cent of respondents said they did not know what the condition was. However, when asked, "Do you suffer from perennial non-allergic rhinitis, that is nasal symptoms caused anytime during the year by things like smoke, pollution or strong odors?," more than four out of five respondents (82 per cent) were able to answer "yes" or "no."

"Millions of Americans suffer year round from nasal symptoms of rhinitis and think they have allergies. However, PNAR is not an allergic problem and most medications used to treat nasal allergies are not indicated for the treatment of PNAR," said Dr. Phillip Lieberman, clinical professor of medicine and pediatrics, University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, and lead author of the study. "Therefore, in order to receive effective treatment, it is imperative that patients understand the differences between PNAR and nasal allergies, and thus are able to discuss their condition with their healthcare provider."

The variety of environmental factors that can cause nasal symptoms include, but are not limited to cigarette smoke, strong odors and pollution.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and can be triggered by a reaction to an allergen, a non-allergic irritant, or both. Perennial non-allergic rhinitis may be difficult to distinguish from seasonal allergic rhinitis (or "hay fever," caused by outdoor allergens like pollens) and perennial allergic rhinitis (caused by year-round indoor allergens like dust and pet dander), making it challenging to diagnose and manage. Adding to the confusion is that many people have both PNAR and allergic rhinitis.

According to Dr. Robert Nathan, clinical professor of medicine, University of Colorado Health Science Center, and a PNAR expert, the signs and symptoms of PNAR to watch for include: Onset and progression of nasal congestion, runny nose and post-nasal drip without itching; Symptoms after exposure to environmental factors; Year-round occurrence of symptoms.

In addition to understanding PNAR, Dr. Nathan says that patients need to be informed about available treatment options. "With so many allergens and irritants in the environment, it is not surprising that people have a hard time determining what is causing their nasal symptoms," he added. "Only Flonase (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray is approved to treat the nasal symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies as well as year-round non-allergic nasal symptoms that can feel like allergies."

About Flonase (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray, 50mcg Flonase is the only leading aqueous intranasal corticosteroid indicated to treat perennial non-allergic rhinitis in patients as young as 4 years of age. It helps reduce nasal inflammation and relieve the nasal symptoms (congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip) associated with perennial non-allergic rhinitis. Flonase is also indicated for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms (congestion, sneezing, and runny, itchy nose) associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients ages 4 and older.

For best results, Flonase should be used daily. Results may vary. If side effects occur, they are generally mild and may include headache, nosebleed or sore throat. Flonase Nasal Spray is available by prescription only.

Flonase was developed and is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies, is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. The company is an industry leader in respiratory research and has a broad portfolio of commercially available respiratory therapies.