Treatment

Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip depends on the underlying condition causing the problem. A complete history and examination is done to determine if the problem is caused by either an impairment in the normal production of mucus or in its normal clearance from the nose. Treatment options consist of one of more of the following:

• If you have hay fever, you can try to avoid particular trees or grasses which are known to upset you. When pollen counts are high, make sure that you are taking the right treatment. Keep windows closed during high pollen times.
• If you have perennial rhinitis you can do a variety of things to help. The home conditions may be improved by a number of simple measures. Vacuum clean the bedroom carpets daily, the bed sheets on alternate days, and the mattress weekly. This is to reduce exposure to dust and the house dust mite. Wooden floors rather than carpets are helpful. Avoid feathers by using man-made fibres in the bedding. Animal fur should be avoided. Pets must not be allowed in the bedroom and should only be played with outdoors. The home should generally be kept as dust-free as possible and well humidified. Bedroom heating should be turned off before going to bed. Smoking should be avoided.
• Avoidance of nasal irritants. Nasal irritants usually don't lead to the typical immune response seen with classical allergies, but nevertheless they can mimic or make allergies worse. Examples of these irritants include cigarette smoke, perfume, aerosol sprays, smoke, smog and car exhaust. In some patients, a food allergy may be suspected. The suspected food should be excluded from the diet for six weeks. This should only be done after advice from your doctor or a dietician about avoiding possible food allergens.
• A salt-water nasal spray helps to reduce swollen and congested nasal and sinus tissues. In addition, it washes out thickened nasal secretions, irritants (smog, pollens, etc.), bacteria, and crusts from the nose and sinuses. Non-prescription nasal sprays can be used frequently, and are very convenient.