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Long-term non-allergic chronic rhinitis / nothing helping
Hi there,
I developed a non-allergic chronic rhinitis some time five years ago. It appeared out of blue, and my nose has been blocked and runny ever since. I believe it significantly affects my breathing which, in its turn, affects my physical performance as well as sleep. There also must be a connection between this and the fact that I have been experiencing drowsiness, slowness of thought processes, and general brain fog.
I have tried to address this problem in many ways, including by using saline sprays, corticosteroids, antibiotics etc. No allergies whatsoever. Eventually, I was proposed to do a septoplasty, as my septum was slightly deviated. It was suggested that my breathing would significantly improve as a result, so I agreed. After the surgery, my breathing did improve for some time, but then the production of mucus re-started a few weeks/months after that.
At this point, I don't know what to do. I've tried most of the options to address this issue, but it seems there is no clear solution. My assumption is that I have a constant low-degree inflammation in my nose which restricts the airflow in the passageways. The surgery helped somewhat but didn't solve the primary issue of this inflammation.
Any suggestions as to what I could do? Personal experience?
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My doctor recommended azelastine, a nasal spray, specifically targets non-allergic rhinitis. But also allergic rhinitis. Prescription is cheaper for me, $5 co-pay. You can buy OTC it is branded AstePro. Its amazing how well it works.
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4 Reactions@bentoboy
I recommend using a humidifier at your bedside.
I have mucus and phlegm from tongue tumour.
It's most certainly a nasty side-effect.
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1 ReactionMake sure you have your upper back teeth checked, especially if you've ever had dental work on them. It took awhile but finally found out I had odotogenic sinusitis. It was caused from an abscessed tooth (that never hurt, had a cap and was a tiny bit sensitive). Also never showed on a sinus CT. It is very difficult to get good pics of those teeth without a CBCT scan (usually an endodontist).
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3 ReactionsI had Covid for the first time in May 2025. Lost my taste and smell. Came back but not fully. I still can't smell like before. Then my nose started running. All the time. Someone suggested it could be related to acid reflux which I have. I have acid seeping into my lungs at night. I'm taking a steroid for that. I sit up and sleep. Every morning my nose is completely stuffed up and starts to run. I have not talked to my doctor yet so I could be wrong. Do you have dry eyes?
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1 Reaction@brittis Hopefully your doctor prescribed something for your acid reflux
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1 Reaction@arbez
Sure! But I have silent reflux and ppi's (Proton pump inhibitors) don't really work for that. Was on them for at least 3 years. Got osteoporosis.
Hopefully your doctor prescribed something other than PPI's like h2 blockers or alginates. As for the osteoporosis I hope that's being managed and corrected if possible. If you are a woman over age 38 there is a lot of new research being done on prevention and treatment if osteoporosis with hormone therapy. I wish you the best.
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1 ReactionI doubt this is related o acid reflux. I had the same problem and now receive chemical cauterization of my sinuses about every 4 months. There is also an easy surgery on a nerve that stimulates your nose to run. My ENT gave me a RX nasal spray saying using this without results is requirement to qualify for the surgery. Consult an ENT.
@bojaby1950 I have googled "is there a correlation between LPR and running nose or dry eyes". The answer is yes.
Always had sinus infections (40 years). 1.5 years ago ENT recommended NeilMed Sinus Rinse 2x/day. After my last sinus surgery, 6 hours GPS Computer guided surgery about 1 yr ago, my ENT gave me course of antibiotic 4 different times - infections came back within a month. 3 months ago, ENT added an antibiotic to the sinus rinse.
Mupirocin Ointment 2% 30g - Dissolve mupirocin with 16 sinus rinse packets of 1 gallon jug of distilled water. Flush nostril twice daily with solution.
After 6 weeks, the gunk rinsed out of sinuses was greatly reduced and I don't feel the sinus infection. At my last follow up (1 week ago), ENT mentioned that sinuses were clear. Yea, finally.
Best Wishes,
🍀
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