Chronic rhinitis can leave you dealing with constant nasal congestion, runny nose, and irritation that never seems to fully resolve. Dr. Ryan E. Stern, MD, our board-certified otolaryngologist, offers personalized treatment options to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and help you breathe more comfortably year round.
Always dealing with a runny or stuffy nose?
Chronic rhinitis is long-lasting inflammation of the nasal lining that causes persistent nasal symptoms for weeks or months at a time. Unlike a common cold, chronic rhinitis does not go away on its own. Ongoing inflammation inside the nose leads to congestion, excess mucus production, and nasal irritation that can interfere with breathing, sleep, and daily activities. Chronic rhinitis may be allergic or non-allergic in nature, and identifying the cause is key to effective treatment.
Signs & symptoms of chronic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis often presents as a combination of persistent nasal symptoms that may fluctuate but never fully resolve, including:
- Persistent nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Runny nose or constant nasal drainage
- Post-nasal drip
- Sneezing or nasal irritation
- Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
- Reduced sense of smell
- Frequent throat clearing or cough
- Nasal dryness or irritation in some cases
Chronic rhinitis treatment
Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, triggers, and how long they have been affecting your breathing and quality of life, followed by a thorough nasal examination performed by Dr. Stern. Using a small endoscopic camera, he closely evaluates the nasal lining, airflow, and any structural contributors to inflammation, and if allergies are suspected, additional testing may be recommended to help guide treatment.
Care is tailored to the underlying cause of your rhinitis and may include prescription nasal sprays to reduce inflammation, antihistamines, or allergy-focused therapies, adjustments to current medications, or targeted treatment for non-allergic triggers. When structural issues contribute to persistent symptoms, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended to improve airflow and reduce irritation, with the goal of calming nasal inflammation, reducing symptoms, and helping you breathe more freely on a consistent basis.
What causes chronic rhinitis?
Your nasal passages are lined with delicate tissue that helps filter, humidify, and warm the air you breathe. When this lining becomes chronically inflamed, it can lead to ongoing symptoms rather than short-term irritation. Several factors may contribute to chronic rhinitis, including:
- Environmental or seasonal allergies
- Year-round indoor allergens, such as dust mites or pet dander
- Non-allergic triggers such as strong odors, smoke, temperature changes, or air pollution
- Overuse of topical nasal sprays
- Hormonal changes
- Structural narrowing inside the nose that affects airflow
Why choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Ryan E. Stern is a board-certified otolaryngologist and subspecialty-trained rhinologist with more than 25 years of experience treating nasal and sinus conditions. For nearly 30 years, he has helped patients throughout the Pacific Northwest find relief from chronic nasal symptoms using thoughtful diagnosis and minimally invasive care. If chronic rhinitis is affecting your comfort or daily life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stern in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, to explore your treatment options.
