Diseases & Conditions
What can I do about my nasal drip?
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Q. For the past year I have had a persistent nasal drip problem. It happens day and night and forces me to clear my throat by forcibly coughing. What can I do?
A. Daily persistent nasal drip or congestion is almost always caused by chronic nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). In contrast, allergic rhinitis most often causes intermittent nasal symptoms, only when exposed to certain allergens.
Assuming you have NAR, you could have either inflammatory or non-inflammatory rhinitis. Microscopic examination of the nose secretions might determine the more likely process. But a definitive answer requires a nasal biopsy.
You also might find a remedy through trial and error. A safe place to begin is with daily nasal irrigation. It may seem counterintuitive with a runny nose or post nasal drip, but it can be effective. Next, talk with your doctor about nasal sprays. If your doctor thinks you might have inflammatory NAR, the antihistamine spray azelastine (Astepro) alone or combined with a corticosteroid spray would be a good choice.
Or your doctor might suggest a trial of ipratropium nasal spray (Atrovent), which reduces nasal mucus production whether or not there is inflammation. However, you don't want to use a daily over-the-counter nasal decongestant like oxymetazoline (Afrin), because over the long term, it makes your condition worse.
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About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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