Chronic Rhinitis (cont.)
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH
Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
In this Article
- What is the purpose of the nose?
- What are rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- What causes rhinitis?
- Is rhinitis always related to allergies?
- What conditions cause an abnormal production of nasal secretions?
- What conditions cause an impaired clearance of nasal secretions?
- How can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?
- What medications can be used to treat rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- What can be used to treat non-allergic rhinitis?
- Does salt water have any role in the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- What are other options for the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
- Terminology
- Chronic Rhinitis & Post-Nasal Drip At A Glance
- Find a local Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor in your town
What conditions cause an abnormal production of nasal secretions?
The following conditions are often associated with increased nasal drainage. Also, it would not be unusual to have more than one factor involved in a particular individual.
The following may cause an increase in thin secretions:
- viruses
- allergies
- cold temperatures
- certain foods or spices
- pregnancy or hormonal changes
- drug side-effects (particularly certain
high blood pressure medications)
- structural problems (deviated septum, large turbinates)
- vasomotor rhinitis (an abnormal regulatory problem with the nose)
Decreasing the fluid content of the mucus usually thickens the secretions leading to the impression of increased mucus. The following may cause thickened secretions:
- low humidity
- sinus or nasal infections
- foreign bodies (especially if the drainage is from one side)
- environmental irritants (tobacco smoke, smog)
- structural problems (deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, enlarged
adenoids)
- advanced age - mucus membrane lining the nose can shrink with age leading to
a reduced volume of secretions that are thicker
- hormonal problems
- drug side-effects (antihistamines)
What conditions cause an impaired clearance of nasal secretions?
Swallowing problems can make it difficult to clear normal secretions. This may result in the accumulation of material in the throat, which can spill into the voice box, causing hoarseness, throat clearing, or cough. The following factors can contribute to swallowing problems:
- Advancing age: This will lead to decreased strength and coordination in
swallowing.
- Stress: Stress leads to muscle spasm or "lump in throat." Also a nervous
habit of frequent throat clearing will make the situation worse.
- Narrowing of the throat due to tumors or other conditions: This will impair
the passage of food.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Nerve or muscle disorders: (stroke, and muscle diseases, etc.)
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