Chronic Rhinitis Treatment in Houston, TX

Chronic rhinitis can make everyday life uncomfortable, causing persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and difficulty breathing. Many patients struggle with interrupted sleep, reduced energy, and frustration from over-the-counter treatments that provide only temporary relief. For those seeking lasting solutions, effective chronic rhinitis treatment can significantly improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Our specialists in Houston focus on personalized care, addressing both the underlying causes and symptoms, so patients can finally experience relief from the daily challenges of chronic nasal inflammation.

Table of Contents

What Is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. Your nasal passages are lined with mucous membranes. The inflammation can be caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, or allergies. Chronic rhinitis is when the symptoms last for a few weeks or more.

Chronic Rhinitis Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the cause and case. Some common symptoms are:

Two Kinds, With Different Causes

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is usually triggered by airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, or dander. It is also known as hay fever.

When your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air, it releases histamines. These are chemicals that help your body defend against allergens. They can make you have a runny nose, watery eyes, an itch, or a sneeze, all in an attempt to rid yourself of the allergen. Histamines also boost blood flow in the affected areas, causing inflammation.

Essentially, what most people call “an allergy attack” is actually allergic rhinitis. It’s considered chronic if the symptoms last for more than a few weeks. An estimated 15 to 30% of patients in the United States have allergic rhinitis. That number is increasing every year.

An allergy test, which we can do right in our office, can help determine which allergens you’re allergic to. Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment for seasonal allergies that we use here in our office.

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis, also called vasomotor rhinitis, exhibits many of the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis. The difference is that it doesn’t involve the immune system. Because of this, it rarely causes an itchy nose, throat, or eyes.

Nasal congestion is the primary symptom in non-allergic rhinitis. The congestion feeling isn’t caused by a mucus buildup; it’s actually caused by inflammation in the nasal passageways.

It’s more common after age 20 and is only diagnosed after we rule out allergic causes. Usually this requires an allergy skin or blood test.

While the exact cause of non-allergic rhinitis is still unknown, triggers of symptoms can be avoided. Triggers can include odors and irritants in the air, weather changes, medications such as antidepressants or oral contraceptives, certain foods, and chronic health conditions.

How to Treat Chronic
Rhinitis

Treatment for chronic rhinitis depends on whether you have an allergic or a non-allergic form.

Allergic Rhinitis Treatments

For allergic rhinitis, treating the allergies themselves is often the best solution. We do this with drops placed under the tongue or shots. These treatments, called immunotherapy, help your body to avoid overreacting to allergens.
For temporary relief, you can use antihistamines, decongestants, and other over-the-counter medications. Use caution with decongestants over a long period of time, as this can make symptoms worse and make blood pressure difficult to control.
Eye drops and nasal sprays can also help relieve the symptoms. Regular nasal saline washes are also a help.

Nonallergic Rhinitis Treatments

Treatments like ClariFix are an option. These treatments target the overactive nerves that cause the symptoms.
Nasal sprays can also help with symptoms. It’s important that you contact your doctor before starting any nasal sprays.

Complications of Rhinitis

Who Is Usually Affected by Chronic Rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis can affect people of all ages, but certain groups are more likely to experience chronic nasal issues that persist over time.

Individuals with a history of allergies, asthma, or sinus problems are at higher risk, as these conditions often contribute to ongoing nasal inflammation.
Adults are more commonly affected than children, especially those over the age of 20.
People who are frequently exposed to environmental irritants, such as pollution, smoke, strong odors, or workplace chemicals, may also develop long-lasting nasal symptoms.
Hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying health conditions can further increase the likelihood of chronic rhinitis.

In many cases, patients live with symptoms for years before seeking care, assuming persistent congestion or post-nasal drip is normal. If chronic nasal issues are interfering with sleep, breathing, or daily activities, evaluation by a specialist can help identify the cause and determine the most effective treatment options.

Benefits of Chronic Rhinitis Treatment

Cost of Chronic Rhinitis Treatment in Houston, TX

The cost of chronic rhinitis treatment in Houston typically ranges from $150 to $3,000 or more, depending on the type of treatment needed. Factors that affect cost include whether your condition is allergic or non-allergic, the severity of symptoms, diagnostic testing, and whether treatment involves medications, immunotherapy, or in-office procedures. Many treatments are partially covered by insurance, and a personalized evaluation allows your provider to recommend the most effective and cost-appropriate option for long-term relief.

Make Your Daily Life More Comfortable Today!

Living with chronic nasal symptoms can affect your sleep, focus, and overall quality of life – but relief is possible. During your initial consultation, our specialists take time to review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and identify the root cause of your condition. Advanced diagnostic tools, such as allergy testing and nasal endoscopy, help determine whether allergies, nasal obstruction, or another issue is contributing to your discomfort.

Our goal is to successfully treat rhinitis using the most effective approach for each patient. Treatment plans may include traditional treatments like oral medications or allergy shots, as well as newer surgical and non-surgical treatments designed to target the source of inflammation. When procedures are recommended, many can be performed with local anesthesia for comfort and convenience. With a personalized care plan, patients often experience significant symptom improvement and long-lasting relief, allowing them to return to daily activities with noticeable comfort and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a chronic runny nose cause severe complications in the long term?

Yes, if left untreated, constant runny-nose symptoms can lead to ongoing discomfort and potential complications. Over time, chronic inflammation inside the nasal passages may worsen congestion, disrupt normal breathing, and increase the risk of sinus infections. In some cases, dysfunctional nasal nerves can continue to overstimulate mucus production, making symptoms more persistent and harder to control without targeted treatment.

What is the difference between the ClariFix treatment and the RhinAer procedure?

Both ClariFix and RhinAer are minimally invasive procedures designed to treat chronic nasal conditions by targeting the posterior nasal nerve, which plays a key role in controlling nasal secretions. ClariFix uses cold therapy to calm overactive nerve signals in the nasal lining, while RhinAer uses controlled radiofrequency energy as an innovative treatment approach. Both options are performed with a local anesthetic and aim to reduce symptoms like a stuffy nose. These treatments are clinically proven, and side effects are typically mild, such as slight pressure or temporary congestion. They may be recommended for patients with chronic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis, depending on individual needs.

Do you offer RhinAer treatment?

Our ENT specialists prefer the ClariFix procedure because it offers minimal discomfort and consistent results for most patients. ClariFix is designed to reduce inflammation and calm overactive nasal nerves, helping patients achieve long-term relief from persistent symptoms. To receive chronic rhinitis treatment, Houston patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation so our team can determine the most appropriate treatment option based on their symptoms and diagnosis.Yes, Dr. Cilento is a board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor with extensive experience diagnosing and treating sinus conditions. When seeking a professional sinus headache treatment, Houston residents trust our team to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of sinus pain and promotes lasting relief.