How To Quickly Treat Chronic Rhinitis

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention may be appropriate for patients whose chronic rhinitis is related to structural issues with the nose or sinuses. Surgery is normally only considered as a last resort if conservative treatment methods have proved ineffective. Patients with septal deviations, spurs, or perforations are often suitable candidates for surgery, and individuals with nasal or sinus polyps or an enlargement of the turbinates typically benefit from surgery, too. These types of structural differences often cause substantial pooling of mucus secretions; surgery reduces this pooling and makes it easier for nasal sprays and other medicines to reach the nasal cavities.

Patients who believe they may have a structural anomaly contributing to their chronic rhinitis should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an evaluation. The specialist can determine if surgery would be beneficial for the patient, and they will explain the most effective surgical approaches for the patient's needs. Most operations for nasal and sinus issues will require general anesthesia, and they are typically performed as outpatient procedures.

Reflux Medication

Doctors often recommend the use of reflux medication for patients with chronic rhinitis caused by acid reflux disease. Patients may need to use over-the-counter antacids to treat mild symptoms, and proton pump inhibitors can help reduce the amount of stomach acid the body manufactures. Foaming agents coat the stomach lining to reduce reflux symptoms, and H2 blockers reduce stomach acid. In addition, some patients may need to use prokinetics.

These medicines mitigate reflux by enabling the stomach to empty faster than it normally would and by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients who continue to experience bothersome symptoms while taking these medications should consult their physician about switching to different medicines or trying a new combination of drugs. Some patients with reflux disease find their chronic rhinitis symptoms improve when they avoid eating during the late evening.