A chronic runny nose can simply be a consequence of a sinus disease or an allergy. But sometimes it signals serious diseases - even cancer. Therefore, with a chronic runny nose, you need to see an ENT specialist.

A chronic runny noseis one that lasts continuously or recurs in the form of seizures. Often the elderly suffer fromchronic rhinitis , also called chronic rhinitis. But it can happen at any age. If you have a chronic runny nose, see an ENT specialist. It is most often associated with sinus disease or allergy or vasomotor disorders. However, it can signal serious illness, even cancer. Chronic runny nose often affects people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, and diabetes. The cause of a chronic runny nose may also be hormonal disorders and vitamin A deficiency.

Chronic runny nose - symptoms

The symptom of a chronic runny nose is:

  • flowing watery, mucous or mucopurulent discharge
  • discharge
  • swollen mucous membranes
  • nasal congestion which indicates reduced patency
  • sneezing attacks with the secretion of copious watery discharge
  • difficulty breathing
  • loss of smell sometimes
  • nasal discharge bad smell
  • presence of scabs

Treatment of a chronic runny nose depends on the cause, so you need to see a doctor with it.

Chronic runny nose after frequent infections

This type of chronic runny nose is a consequence of repeated viral and bacterial respiratory infections. They can be caused by immunodeficiency or anatomical defects, such as a curvature of the nasal septum.

Very common infections cause sinus infections, and chronic sinus inflammation also causes chronic rhinitis. The ENT specialist will recommend appropriate treatment of the infection.

If we are dealing with an immunodeficiency, it may decide to administer drugs that stimulate the immune system. Surgery may be necessary in case of anatomical defects.

Chronic vasomotor rhinitis

Contrary to appearances, it is not an allergy that is the most common cause of a chronic runny nose. Almost 30 percent of patients suffer from chronic vasomotor rhinitis associated with membrane hyperresponsivenessnasal mucosa, which does not have an allergic basis.

Sneezing attacks and a watery discharge as well as swelling of the mucous membranes are caused in these people:

  • temperature changes
  • irritation with chemicals (air pollution, tobacco smoke)
  • with intense fragrances
  • even with dry, cold or hot air

Sometimes a runny nose is triggered by a change in body position. These nasal antics that cause chronic rhinitis are caused by changes in nerve conduction, receptor hypersensitivity, epithelial damage, or accumulation of inflammatory cells in the mucosa.

Treatment must be selected by a doctor, depending on the cause. Most often these are pharmacological agents. Surgical procedures, such as cryosurgery, are sometimes used to remove diseased tissue or break abnormal nerve connections.

Allergic chronic rhinitis

Chronic allergic rhinitis is diagnosed by the doctor after allergic tests and allergen determination. Treatment consists of avoiding contact with the allergen and taking antihistamines. Desensitization treatments (specific immunotherapy) at an allergy clinic are also possible.

Atrophic chronic rhinitis

It is a chronic runny nose caused by disorders of the mucosa. It is becoming thinner and thinner and is not doing its job. This type of disorder may be indicated by a dry nose and a feeling of stuffy nose, and the presence of unpleasant-smelling secretions, as well as scabs. There are also nosebleeds. One of the forms of atrophic rhinitis is ozena - a chronic runny nose that occurs mainly in women at the age of menopause. This creates a very unpleasant-smelling discharge from the nose and scabs.

Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis

This type of chronic rhinitis occurs when the nasal mucosa becomes thickened. Growths and polyps are formed on it. In this case, the most effective form of treatment is the removal of hypertrophic lesions of the mucosa.

Important

Chronic runny nose in pregnancy

Chronic runny nose sometimes occurs during pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, especially in the latter part of pregnancy. High estrogen levels are believed to alter the functioning of the chemicals responsible for the reactions of the nasal mucosa. The mucous glands become overactive and the blood supply to the mucosa increases. These changes and symptoms of chronic rhinitis cease after childbirth and the return to normal hormonal activity.

Chronic, hormonal rhinitis can also occur in ageadolescence, in some phases of the menstrual cycle, with hypothyroidism and in people over 65 years of age.

Chronic runny nose - treatment

In addition to the treatment appropriate for all types of chronic runny nose, in the treatment of this condition, it is important to keep the nose open and clear. All people suffering from chronic rhinitis have a disturbed natural cleansing function.

Systematic rinsing of the nose and sinuses with solutions recommended by a doctor, bought in a pharmacy, or with physiological saline or sea s alt solution gives very good results. You should also take care of the proper humidification of the air in the rooms where we stay, avoid smoky places, where there is a high concentration of car exhaust or dust, because all this exacerbates the symptoms of a chronic runny nose.

Nasal steroids are also often used in the treatment of chronic rhinitis (allergic and infectious). It is an effective group of drugs, but in some patients it can cause, for example, nasal dryness, irritation or slight bleeding. In order to protect the nasal mucosa, it is worth using a shield. For this purpose, you can use over-the-counter protective sprays available at the pharmacy. Those containing pharmaceutically purified olive oil and vitamin E will soothe irritations, moisturize and support the regeneration of the nasal mucosa.

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