Chronic Rhinitis (cont.)
What can be used to treat non-allergic rhinitis?
Treatment of non-allergic rhinitis is similar to the treatment of allergic
rhinitis.
Steroid nasal sprays and nasal antihistamines [azelastine (Astelin)] as described in
more detail in the previous section, are the main stray of therapy for
non-allergic rhinitis. Combination therapy using steroid nasal spray and nasal
antihistamine together has been shown to be more beneficial.
The other therapies, such as ipratropium (Atrovent) and decongestants, may also be used
in patients who continue to have symptoms despite proper therapy with nasal
steroids and nasal antihistamines.
Does salt water have any role in the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
Irrigating the nose with salt water is very useful therapy for non-allergic
rhinitis and especially beneficial for treating post-nasal drip.
Nasal irrigation utilizing a buffered hypertonic saline solution (salt water)
helps to reduce swollen and congested nasal and sinus tissues. In addition, it
washes out thickened nasal secretions, irritants (smog, pollens, etc.),
bacteria, and crusts from the nose and sinuses. Non-prescription nasal sprays
(Ocean spray, Ayr, Nasal) can be used frequently, and are very convenient to
use.
- Nasal irrigation can be done several times per day.
- Nasal irrigation is
frequently performed with a syringe or a Water Pik device (the attachment is
purchased separately).
- The irrigating solution can be made by adding two to
three heaping teaspoons of non-iodized (does not sting) salt to one pint of room
temperature water. It is best to use Morton Coarse Kosher Salt or Springfield
plain salt because table salt may have unwanted additives. To this solution, add
one teaspoon of baking soda.
- Store at room temperature, and always mix the
solution before each use.
- If the solution stings, use less salt.
- In the
beginning, or for children, it is best to start with a weaker salt mixture. It
is not unusual to initially have a mild burning sensation the first few times
you irrigate.
- While irrigating the nose, it is best to stand over the sink and irrigate
each side of your nose separately. Aim the stream toward the back of your head,
not at the top of your head.
- For young children, the salt water can be put into
a small spray container, which can be squirted many times into each side of the
nose.
Next: What are other options for the treatment of rhinitis and post-nasal drip? »
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