Objective To study the inflammatory characteristics of nasal cavity and lower respiratory tract in patients with nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), and to discuss the classification of NAR according to the nasal characteristics. Methods The inflammatory characteristics of nasal cavity and lower respiratory tract were assessed in 117 NAR patients, by using disease survey, skin prick test (SPT), visual analogue scale, nasal lavage, serum eosinophil, induced sputum, nasal and bronchial provocation test. NAR was classified based on nasal inflammatory characteristics. Results The eosinophil counts in nasal lavage fluid, induced sputum, serum, and positive rates of nasal and bronchial provocation test in NAR group were all significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). There was obvious correlation between the eosinophil in nasal lavage fluid and induced sputum (r=0.531, P=0.000), and between the eosinophil in nasal lavage fluid and serum (r=0.334, P=0.000). The grade of nasal and bronchial provocation test was also obviously correlated (r=0.190, P=0.040). Of all the 117 NAR patients, 39(33.3%) got higher eosinophil in nasal lavage fluid, 50(42.7%) got enhancement of nasal provocation test, and 28 (23.9%) kept normal. According to these characteristics, NAR was classified into 3 subtypes, i.e. nonspecific type, eosinophilia type and hyperresponsive type. Conclusion NAR is a systematic inflammatory disease with increase of nasal eosinophilia and nasal hyperresponsiveness, with satisfied consistence with serum eosinophil and hyperresponsiveness of lower respiratory tract. The classification of NAR based on nasal inflammatory characteristics may be helpful to further research of NAR.