Chronic rhinitis can leave you dealing with constant congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip that never seems to quit. Over time, these symptoms can disrupt sleep, focus, and daily comfort. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs offer personalized treatments to help you achieve optimal, lasting relief for your chronic rhinitis in Federal Way and Auburn.
Dealing With Nonstop Postnasal Drip?
Chronic rhinitis is ongoing inflammation of the nose that causes daily symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, postnasal drip, and frequent sneezing. Unlike a short-term cold, these symptoms last for months or longer and may occur with or without allergies. The lining of your nasal passages becomes overly sensitive, reacting to triggers that wouldn’t usually cause a problem. Over time, this constant irritation can affect sleep, breathing, and quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis often shows up as ongoing nasal issues that don’t improve with time and can slowly interfere with your daily comfort.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Persistent nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Ongoing runny nose or excessive mucus
- Frequent sneezing without a clear cause
- Postnasal drip with throat irritation
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Nasal pressure or facial discomfort
- Symptoms that worsen with environmental triggers
What Causes Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis develops when the lining of the nasal passages becomes irritated and inflamed over time. Inside your nose, delicate tissues and blood vessels help filter and warm the air you breathe. When these tissues overreact or stay swollen, they produce excess mucus and ongoing congestion that doesn’t fully resolve.
This irritation may be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander
- Nonallergic irritants like smoke, strong odors, or pollution
- Changes in temperature or humidity
- Hormonal shifts or certain medications
- Structural nasal issues affecting airflow
Your Chronic Rhinitis Treatment Experience
Your care for chronic rhinitis in Federal Way and Auburn begins with a thorough, unhurried consultation focused on understanding how your symptoms affect your life. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our providers take time to listen, review your medical history, and examine the inside of your nose using specialized tools. We identify whether your symptoms are allergic or nonallergic and rule out structural concerns. From there, your ENT explains all treatment options in plain terms and recommends an approach to calm irritated nasal tissue and provide long-term relief.
Neuromark®
NEUROMARK targets the overactive nerves inside your nose that trigger constant congestion and mucus production. During this in-office procedure, your ENT applies controlled energy to specific nerve pathways along the nasal lining. This reduces the nerve signals that cause your nose to overreact to everyday triggers, such as temperature changes or strong smells. The treatment is precise, minimally invasive, and typically completed in a single visit.
RhinAer®
RhinAer uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to gently treat the inflamed tissue inside your nasal passages. During the procedure, your ENT places a small device inside the nose to deliver targeted energy to the posterior nasal nerves. This helps shrink swollen tissue and reduces excess mucus at the source. RhinAer is performed under local anesthesia, and you can expect progressive improvement in breathing, drainage, and overall comfort.
Chronic Rhinitis FAQs
How Is Chronic Rhinitis Different From a Cold or Sinus Infection?
Chronic rhinitis causes daily nasal symptoms that last for months or longer, while colds and sinus infections are short-term illnesses. With rhinitis, you typically don’t have fever or body aches. Instead, you notice ongoing congestion, drainage, or sneezing that never fully clears, even when you’re otherwise feeling well.
Can Chronic Rhinitis Be Nonallergic?
Yes. Many people with chronic rhinitis do not have allergies at all. Nonallergic rhinitis happens when the nasal lining overreacts to triggers like temperature changes, strong smells, smoke, or dry air. Your ENT can help determine whether allergies are involved in your condition.
Will Medications Cure Chronic Rhinitis?
Medications can help manage symptoms, but they often don’t address the underlying cause. Nasal sprays and antihistamines may provide temporary relief, yet symptoms can return when you stop using them. If medications aren’t working or cause side effects, in-office procedures may offer longer-lasting improvement.
How Long Does It Take to Notice Improvement?
Some people notice symptom improvement within weeks, while others experience gradual relief over several months. The nasal tissues need time to heal and respond to treatment.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has been a pillar of the community for more than 40 years. When you come to us, you receive thoughtful, personalized care from doctors who take time to truly understand how your symptoms affect your life. Our patient-first approach leads to clear explanations, unhurried visits, and treatment plans tailored to you. Schedule your consultation to avoid post nasal drip in Auburn or Federal Way and start breathing easier soon.
