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One of the most frustrating things you can experience is a runny or stuffy nose that won’t go away. Even after fall allergy season has passed and you think you’re in the clear, you still can’t get rid of it.
Could there be an underlying cause? And if so, how do you treat it?
According to FP Jons Langford, MD, a CEENTA otolaryngologist who practices at our Concord office, "Chronic rhinitis is a nasal condition lasting for at least twelve weeks.”
Dr. Langford explains: “The most common symptoms include:
Unlike allergies (or allergic rhinitis), non-allergic rhinitis may be caused by other factors, such as irritants or changes in weather or humidity."
Home remedies can provide mild relief from your chronic congestion. Nasal irrigation with a Neti pot, for example, can rinse the nasal passages to clear out debris or irritants. Warm liquids like tea or soup can help thin the mucus in your nose.
Over the counter medications can reduce swelling and improve your breathing. These include:
If these methods provide little to no relief, your physician may recommend in-office treatments like:
An overactive nerve in your nasal cavity may be the reason for your sniffling and stuffy nose. Using radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy with a small endoscope in a procedure called nasal nerve ablation, your physician can reduce nerve activity and provide sustained relief.
“Patients have had good success with posterior nasal nerve ablation, especially if they respond to the prescription spray, Ipratropium," Dr. Langford says.
Another common cause of congestion is a deviated septum. This occurs when the thin wall between your nasal passages blocks one side and limits breathing. A septoplasty can correct this by repositioning the septum in a quick procedure.
If you’ve been struggling with constant congestion or a runny nose for weeks, it may be time to see your local ENT physician. At CEENTA, our board-certified ENT specialists can examine your nose, diagnose the cause, and offer relief options that will help you get back to your routine.
Get started today by scheduling your same-day ENT appointment with Dr. Langford at CEENTA Concord online or through myCEENTAchart.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.
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