Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
Medical Revising Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What is the purpose of the nose?
The purpose of the nose is to warm, clean, and humidify the air you breathe.
In addition, it helps you to smell and taste. A normal person will produce about
two quarts of fluid each day (mucus), which aids in keeping the respiratory
tract clean and moist. Tiny microscopic hairs (cilia) line the surfaces of the
nasal cavity, helping to brush away particles. Eventually the mucus blanket is
moved to the back of the throat where it is unconsciously swallowed. This entire
process is closely regulated by several body systems.
The nose is divided into two passageways by a partition called the septum.
Protruding into each breathing passage are bony projections, called turbinates,
which help to increase the surface area of the inside of the nose. There are
three turbinates on each side of the nose (inferior, middle, superior). The
sinuses are four paired, air-filled chambers which empty into the nasal cavity.
Their purpose is not really known, but may help to lighten the skull, reducing
its weight.
What are rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose. Allergic rhinitis
is characterized by an itchy/runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Other
allergic symptoms include itchy ears and throat, Eustachian tube problems,
red/watery eyes, cough, fatigue/loss of concentration/lack of energy from loss
of sleep, and headaches or facial tenderness. Rhinitis can be either acute or
chronic. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by
pollen in the air, and sensitive patients have symptoms during peak times during
the year. Perennial allergic rhinitis, a type of chronic rhinitis is a
year-round problem, and is often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust and
animal dander in addition to pollens that may exist at the time. Symptoms tend
to occur regardless of the time of the year. Non-allergic rhinitis (also called
vasomotor rhinitis) occurs in those patients in whom an allergic cause cannot be
identified. Vasomotor rhinitis is thought to occur because of abnormal
regulation of nasal blood flow and may be induced by temperature fluctuations in
the environment and some foods that induce mucus flow.
Post-nasal drip is a mucus accumulation in the back of the nose and throat
leading to or giving the sensation of mucus dripping downward from the back of
the nose. Chronic rhinitis is characterized by persistent irritation and
inflammation of the lining tissues of the nose. One of the most common
characteristics of chronic rhinitis is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip may lead
to chronic sore throat. Post-nasal drip can be caused by excessive or thick
secretions or impairment in the normal clearance of mucus from the nose or
throat.
Next: What conditions cause an abnormal production of nasal secretions? »
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Last Editorial Review: 3/23/2007
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