Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drainage (PND)

Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip Treatments in Charleston, SC

What are chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drainage?

Chronic rhinitis refers to having a chronic runny or dripping nose, typically referring to drainage from the front of the nose. When that drainage instead runs down the back of the nose and into the throat, it is called post-nasal drainage (PND). Many people live with these conditions, and while they are rarely dangerous, they are usually very disturbing to the people suffering from them. Chronic rhinitis and PND can make sleep difficult and social engagements challenging.

Causes of Chronic Rhinitis and PND

Allergies
Chronic sinusitis
Medication side effects
Inhaled irritants (chemical fumes, exhaust, dust)
Atrophy of the nasal mucosa from age or radiation treatments
Vasomotor triggers (eating certain foods, exposure to cold, etc)
Inferior turbinate hypertrophy
Reflux of acid up to the nasal passages

How are Chronic Rhinitis and PND evaluated?

At the Charleston Sinus Center, we believe that the best way to treat these conditions is to first determine the cause. Our workup begins with a review of your history and current medications, then progresses to a thorough examination, including use of a thin nasal endoscope to visualize all of the surfaces of the nasal passages. Depending on what treatments have been tried already, a CT scan of the sinuses may also be obtained.

What are the initial treatments for Chronic Rhinitis and PND?

One of the most under-utilized but effective treatments for these conditions is flushing the nasal passages twice a day with sterile saline. By regularly physically flushing out the irritants from the nose, the drainage usually improves significantly. (NOTE: It is important that only distilled water, along with a salt packet, is used for flushing the nose. Tap water and spring water are not safe to use for flushing the nose and can lead to serious infection if used.) Other common treatments include a variety of nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and allergy shots.

What if my symptoms linger?

Chronic rhinitis and PND can be challenging to treat, so it is common for patients to not have complete resolution of their symptoms with just the initial treatments. Getting to a final solution requires a methodical, step-by-step approach, without changing too many things at one time. If too many changed are made at once, it becomes difficult to figure out what helps and what doesn’t. If symptoms have not improved after initial treatment, a CT scan of the sinuses and allergy testing may be obtained. If chronic sinusitis is found, sometimes sinus surgery is required. If allergy testing is positive, allergy shots can be used to decrease the reactivity to environmental allergens.

If chronic rhinitis or PND persist despite thorough workup and medical treatments, cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerves is an in-office procedure we offer at the Charleston Sinus Center. In the cryoablation procedure, the nasal passages are thoroughly numbed with topical and local anesthesia. A cryoprobe is then inserted by one of our ENT specialists into the nose to reach the nerves that send the signals that trigger mucus production in the nose. The probe is placed and used to freeze and partially destroy these nerves, and is then removed. This procedure decreases overall mucus production in the nose and decreases the runny nose and PND.

Why Choose Us?

Board-certified ENT & sinus specialists
State-of-the-art endoscopic technology
In-office minimally invasive options like Balloon Sinuplasty
Comprehensive care plans: diagnosis, surgery, and long-term management
Proven results: 85% success rate with sinus surgery

Patient Testimonials

"I hate to leave a "Dr Russell and his staff was Great!" or "He was awesome!" review, except both of those things are true. I felt Dr Russell really listened to my complaint and concerns. "

"Great Dr! He always takes time to explain whatever is going on. I've been a patient of his for about 8 years. Treated for sinusitis, nose polyps, and ear problems. Would never consider going to another ENT. Thanks Dr Russell"

"This is the first time in my life I haven't been to the doctor for a sore throat in over a year. I appreciate Dr. Russel for helping me. I am so glad he is my doctor. What a difference you've made in my life!"