Temperature-Change Rhinitis: Why Autumn Triggers a Runny Nose and Sneezing—and How Clothing Can Help
“I do not have a cold, but my nose will not stop running in the morning and evening.” “I keep sneezing, but I do not have a fever.” More people experience these symptoms in September and October. The cause may be neither a cold nor hay fever, but temperature-change rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis), a condition in which temperature fluctuations stimulate the autonomic nervous system. Here, we explain how it occurs and what clothing can do to help.
Temperature-change rhinitis is often treated as rhinitis of unknown cause because medical tests do not identify a specific allergen. However, because some of its triggers are understood, changes in daily habits may help ease the symptoms. Clothing is one of the few practical measures that can reduce the body’s exposure to temperature fluctuations themselves.
What Is Temperature-Change Rhinitis?
Temperature-change rhinitis is formally known as “vasomotor rhinitis.” Although the Japanese nickname includes the word “allergy,” it is not a reaction to an allergen in the way hay fever is. It occurs when temperature changes themselves act as a stimulus, causing the autonomic nerves that regulate blood vessels in the nasal lining to overreact.
Symptoms are generally considered more likely when moving between environments with a temperature difference of 7°C or more. The following signs may serve as a general guide.
If your main symptoms are clear, watery nasal discharge and sneezing without itchy eyes or fever, temperature-change rhinitis may be more likely than hay fever or a cold. If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, do not self-diagnose; consult a healthcare professional.
Why Symptoms Increase in September and October
September and October are among the times of year when temperature fluctuations are most pronounced.
Daytime heat often lingers while early mornings and nights become cooler, exposing the body to repeated temperature changes throughout the day.
In September, people often move between air-conditioned indoor spaces and outdoor air that is beginning to cool, placing a continuing burden on temperature regulation.
Continuing to dress lightly because “summer clothes are probably still fine” may leave the body unprepared for chilly mornings and evenings, making temperature changes feel even more severe.
Three Ways Clothing Can Reduce the Impact of Temperature Changes
Treatment of temperature-change rhinitis belongs in the hands of healthcare professionals, but thoughtful clothing choices can help reduce the range of temperature changes your body actually feels.
1. Keep Your Neck, Wrists, and Ankles Warm
The skin around the neck, wrists, and ankles is thin and contains many blood vessels, making these areas particularly sensitive to changes in body temperature. Keeping them warm can help reduce perceived temperature fluctuations.
2. Build Around an Insulating Base Layer Instead of Constantly Adding and Removing Clothes
Adding or removing an outer layer requires conscious action and can be easy to overlook. Wearing a fabric close to the skin that helps keep body temperature stable can reduce the effects of temperature changes without constant adjustment.
3. Choose Fabrics That Help Prevent Post-Sweat Chills
After sweating in lingering summer heat, exposure to a cool breeze can chill the body quickly. This also stimulates the autonomic nervous system. Choose fabrics that manage perspiration quickly and do not leave the skin wet.
How Different Fabrics Handle Temperature Changes
| Criteria | Merino Wool | Cotton | Polyester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Regulation | ◎ Naturally Regulating | △ Strongly Affected by Ambient Temperature | △ Strongly Affected by Ambient Temperature |
| Resistance to Post-Sweat Chills | ◎ Absorbs Moisture While Still in Vapor Form | △ Holds Perspiration and Can Feel Cold | ○ Quick-Drying but Can Feel Chilly |
| Warmth When Worn Alone | ◎ High | ○ Moderate | △ Low |
| Versatility Between Seasons | ◎ Easy to Regulate Year-Round | ○ Best Suited to Summer | ○ Depends on the Use |
The internal structure of merino wool fibers allows them to release moisture in warm conditions for a cooler feel and generate heat while absorbing moisture in cold conditions for added warmth. This distinctive temperature-regulating mechanism is why merino wool is particularly well suited to transitional seasons with wide temperature swings.
About C-one
C-one garments are made from 100% Super 100's merino wool, with fibers measuring approximately 18.5 microns. Long-sleeve styles help cover the neck, wrists, and ankles and are designed as versatile base layers for periods of wide temperature fluctuations, such as September and October.
Short Sleeves or Long Sleeves.
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Super 100's (18.5μm) / 100% Wool / Machine Washable / Made in Japan
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Does the design cover the neck, wrists, and ankles?
Keeping these three areas warm is a basic way to reduce the impact of temperature changes.
Is the fabric resistant to post-sweat chills?
Materials that retain perspiration can make the body feel colder.
Can one layer help regulate body temperature?
Handling temperature changes without repeatedly adding and removing layers reduces the burden on the body.
Summary
- Temperature-change rhinitis is triggered when a temperature difference of 7°C or more stimulates the autonomic nervous system, and it differs from hay fever and the common cold
- September and October are common times for symptoms because of daytime-to-night temperature differences and frequent movement between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor air
- Clothing can help by keeping the neck, wrists, and ankles warm, preventing post-sweat chills, and using temperature-regulating fabrics
- Merino wool is one of the few natural materials with temperature-regulating properties, making it well suited to base layers between seasons
- If symptoms persist, avoid self-diagnosis and consult a healthcare professional
