Can you explain the difference between vasomotor rhinitis and allergies?

Allergy vs irritant: Allergic rhinitis is an allergic response to pollen, molds, & pet dander; this requires sensitization (prior exposure) and subsequent production of allergic antibodies (called ige). Vasomotor rhinitis is due to irritation; 'vaso' means blood vessel while 'motor' implies something causes the vessels to react, typically irritants like smoke & dust. Skin testing is negative with vasomotor rhinitis.

Allergy vs. Not: Allergies happen when our bodies over-react to something like pollen, animal dander, foods. Vasomotor rhinitis is a stuffy runny nose that is *not* caused by allergies.