Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis refers to persistent inflammation or irritation of the nasal passages that can lead to symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, or postnasal drip. These symptoms can affect breathing, disrupt sleep, and overall daily comfort.
At Mile High ENT, care begins with understanding what is contributing to your symptoms and how they are impacting your day-to-day life. Rather than focusing only on short-term relief, we take a comprehensive approach to identify underlying factors and guide long-term management.
Complete our online form or call us at 303-487-0834 to schedule a consultation today.
What Is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis refers to ongoing inflammation or irritation of the nasal passages lasting 12 weeks or longer. Unlike short-term symptoms caused by a cold, these symptoms tend to persist and may vary in severity over time.
You may experience:
Ongoing nasal congestion
Runny nose or postnasal drip
Frequent throat clearing
Reduced airflow through the nose
Allergies, non-allergic factors, or underlying conditions can trigger chronic rhinitis. Identifying the specific type of rhinitis is an important step in determining the most effective treatment approach.
Take our Sinus Relief Score quiz to see what might be causing symptoms of chronic sinus issues.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, occurs when the immune system reacts to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis may occur seasonally with exposure to outdoor allergens or persist year-round when triggered by indoor allergens.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis is not caused by an immune response or a specific allergen. Instead, it is related to irritation or dysfunction within the nasal passages.
Common triggers include:
Weather or temperature changes
Strong odors, smoke, or pollution
Hormonal changes
Certain medications
Our Approach to Managing Chronic Rhinitis
At Mile High ENT, care begins with listening. Our ENT specialist, Dr. Sarmad Sabour, takes the time to understand what you are experiencing, how long symptoms have been present, and how they are affecting your day-to-day comfort.
Since chronic rhinitis can have multiple causes, our focus is on identifying the source of irritation or inflammation and building a care plan that addresses it directly.
Our approach includes:
Impact of Chronic Rhinitis on the Nasal Cavity
Ongoing inflammation within the nasal passages can affect how the nose functions over time. As irritation persists, it can lead to both structural changes and increased sensitivity within the nasal lining.
This may include:
Swelling of the nasal tissues (turbinates), which can restrict airflow
Increased mucus production, leading to ongoing drainage or postnasal drip
Narrowing of the nasal passages, making breathing feel more difficult
Impaired sinus drainage, which may contribute to pressure or recurrent infections
Addressing the underlying inflammation is important not only for symptom relief but for restoring normal nasal function and improving overall comfort.
What Causes Chronic Rhinitis
In addition to allergic and non-allergic triggers, other factors can worsen chronic rhinitis symptoms.
Structural issues such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps may restrict airflow and interfere with normal sinus drainage.
Certain underlying conditions, including asthma, sinus infections, viral illnesses, and immune system-related issues, can also contribute to persistent nasal inflammation.
Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis
Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying type, but typically include:
Diagnosis & Initial Treatment for Chronic Rhinitis
At Mile High ENT, evaluation begins with a focused visit to review your symptoms, triggers, and medical history, followed by an in-office examination of the nasal passages.
Depending on your symptoms, diagnostic evaluation may include:
Nasal endoscopy to closely examine the nasal passages and sinus openings
Allergy testing when symptoms suggest an allergic component
Imaging tests if structural concerns or sinus involvement are suspected
Initial treatment is tailored to your specific type of rhinitis and may include:
Targeted nasal sprays or medications to reduce inflammation and improve airflow
Guidance on avoiding or managing environmental triggers
Practical adjustments based on patterns identified during your evaluation
The goal is to improve symptoms while determining whether additional treatment may be needed for meaningful long-term relief.
Our Advanced Solutions for Chronic Rhinitis
When symptoms persist despite initial treatment, we may consider advanced treatments to address underlying structural issues or ongoing inflammation.
These treatments are selected based on your specific symptoms and underlying cause, with a focus on improving long-term breathing and nasal function.
Our Minimally Invasive Approach to Care
At Mile High ENT, treatment is designed to improve symptoms without unnecessary disruption to your routine. Whenever possible, procedures are performed using minimally invasive methods to minimize disruption and support faster recovery.
Many procedures can be performed in-office, allowing for:
Less downtime and a quicker return to daily activities
Greater comfort during and after treatment
Precise, targeted care focused on the source of your symptoms
Each treatment plan is tailored to your needs, with an emphasis on long-term improvement in breathing, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Find Lasting Relief from Chronic Rhinitis Symptoms
If you are dealing with ongoing congestion, drainage, or difficulty breathing through your nose, an evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and what can be done to improve them.
At Mile High ENT, we focus on thorough evaluation and personalized care designed to improve how you feel day to day.
To schedule a consultation at Mile High ENT, please call us at 303-487-0834 or fill out our online appointment request form.