1. 10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Quiz on Allergies
3. Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow: Products That Work

Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What is the purpose of the nose?
• What are rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
• What causes rhinitis?
• Is rhinitis always related to allergies?
• What conditions cause an abnormal production of nasal secretions?
• What conditions cause an impaired clearance of nasal secretions?
• How can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?
• What medications can be used to treat rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
• What can be used to treat non-allergic rhinitis?
• Does salt water have any role in the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
• What are other options for the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
• Terminology
• Chronic Rhinitis & Post-Nasal Drip At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Rhinitis - Causes
• Patient Comments: Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Causes
• Patient Comments: Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Describe Your Experience
• Find a local Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor in your town
• Chronic Rhinitis Index

The following conditions are often associated with increased nasal drainage. Also, it would not be unusual to have more than one factor involved in a particular individual.

The following may cause an increase in thin secretions:

• viruses
  
  
• allergies
  
  
• cold temperatures
  
  
• certain foods or spices
  
  
• pregnancy or hormonal changes
  
  
• drug side-effects (particularly certain high blood pressure medications)
  
  
• structural problems (deviated septum, large turbinates)
  
  
• vasomotor rhinitis (an abnormal regulatory problem with the nose)

Decreasing the fluid content of the mucus usually thickens the secretions leading to the impression of increased mucus. The following may cause thickened secretions:

• low humidity
  
  
• sinus or nasal infections
  
  
• foreign bodies (especially if the drainage is from one side)
  
  
• environmental irritants (tobacco smoke, smog)
  
  
• structural problems (deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, enlarged adenoids)
  
  
• advanced age - mucus membrane lining the nose can shrink with age leading to a reduced volume of secretions that are thicker
  
  
• hormonal problems
  
  
• drug side-effects (antihistamines)

Swallowing problems can make it difficult to clear normal secretions. This may result in the accumulation of material in the throat, which can spill into the voice box, causing hoarseness, throat clearing, or cough. The following factors can contribute to swallowing problems:

• Advancing age: This will lead to decreased strength and coordination in swallowing.
  
  
• Stress: Stress leads to muscle spasm or "lump in throat." Also a nervous habit of frequent throat clearing will make the situation worse.
  
  
• Narrowing of the throat due to tumors or other conditions: This will impair the passage of food.
  
  
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
  
  
• Nerve or muscle disorders: (stroke, and muscle diseases, etc.)