A runny nose can be more than just a minor inconvenience—it can be a sign of an underlying issue that deserves attention. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, persistent cold weather irritation, or chronic rhinitis, understanding the causes and treatments for a runny nose can help you find relief.
What Causes a Runny Nose?
A runny nose occurs when excess mucus is produced by your nasal membranes. Here are some common causes:
- Allergies: Pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can trigger sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
- Cold Weather: Chilly, damp air can irritate your nasal passages, leading to increased mucus production.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu, or sinus infections can inflame the nasal passages and increase mucus output.
- Deviated Septum: A crooked nasal septum can block airflow and cause irritation, resulting in persistent nasal discharge.
- Nonallergic Rhinitis: This condition mimics allergy symptoms but isn’t triggered by allergens, making it more difficult to manage.
If your symptoms are ongoing, it’s essential to identify the root cause to find the most effective treatment.
Chronic Rhinitis: What You Need to Know
Chronic rhinitis occurs when the nasal nerves that regulate mucus production become overactive, leading to persistent symptoms such as a runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, and a feeling of congestion. This condition is often caused by nonallergic rhinitis, where environmental irritants trigger mucus overproduction without typical allergic responses.
Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis:
- Persistent nasal discharge or post-nasal drip
- Frequent congestion or a "stuffed up" feeling
- Excessive sneezing
If you suffer from chronic rhinitis, it can be frustrating, but the good news is there are advanced treatments that can provide relief.
Treatment Options for a Runny Nose
At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, the expert team offers several effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Here are some of the available treatments:
- Medications:
- For allergy-related symptoms, antihistamines and nasal sprays can be helpful.
- Nonallergic rhinitis may also respond to these treatments, depending on severity.
- Balloon Sinuplasty:
- This minimally invasive procedure is ideal for chronic sinusitis. A small balloon is used to widen blocked sinus passages, improving airflow and reducing mucus buildup.
- ClariFix® Cryotherapy:
- This procedure targets overactive nasal nerves to provide lasting relief from nonallergic rhinitis. By cooling the nerves that cause excessive mucus production, it helps alleviate symptoms.
- VivAer® Nasal Airway Remodeling:
- For those whose nasal valve collapse contributes to their symptoms, VivAer can reshape nasal tissues to improve airflow and reduce congestion.
- Septoplasty:
- If a deviated septum is the cause of your runny nose, corrective surgery can restore normal airflow and reduce persistent symptoms.
- NEUROMARK®:
- A cutting-edge treatment for chronic rhinitis, the NEUROMARK procedure uses low-power energy to disrupt the overactive nasal nerves responsible for excessive mucus production. This minimally invasive treatment offers long-term relief, allowing you to breathe easier without significant downtime.
What to Expect During Treatment
Many of these treatments are performed in-office, with minimal downtime. The NEUROMARK procedure, for example, uses local anesthesia and can be done in under an hour, with no recovery period required. Most patients resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Why Choose Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates?
Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and his team are renowned for their expertise in diagnosing and treating nasal conditions, including allergies, sinus issues, and chronic rhinitis. By combining advanced technology with compassionate care, they provide lasting relief for those suffering from chronic nasal symptoms.
Find Relief for Your Runny Nose Today
If you’re tired of dealing with a runny nose, Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates can help. Schedule an appointment by calling 404-255-2918 or book your consultation online. Discover how personalized care and advanced treatments can help you breathe easier and live more comfortably.
Don't let chronic rhinitis or a runny nose control your life. With treatments like NEUROMARK and other advanced options, relief is closer than you think. Contact your provider today to explore which treatment is right for you!
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
