Runny Nose and Post-Nasal Drip

20 Sept

A constantly runny nose or the feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat—known as post-nasal drip—can be frustrating and tiring. For some people, it’s a seasonal issue linked to pollen or dust. For others, it’s a year-round problem with no clear trigger.

At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we regularly help patients who suffer from these symptoms and offer a range of effective treatments tailored to the underlying cause.

Allergic vs. Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Not all runny noses are the same. The two main types are:

Allergic Rhinitis

Caused by your immune system reacting to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
Symptoms include sneezing, itchy nose/eyes, congestion, and watery nasal discharge.
Often seasonal (hay fever) but can also be present all year round.

Non-Allergic (Intrinsic) Rhinitis

Not triggered by allergies, but by irritants (smoke, perfumes, changes in weather) or an overactive nasal nerve supply.
Symptoms are usually a runny or blocked nose without the itch and sneezing typical of allergies.
Can be just as troublesome, particularly when associated with constant post-nasal drip.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on whether your rhinitis is allergic or non-allergic. Common approaches include:

1. Nasal Steroid Sprays

Reduce inflammation and swelling inside the nose.
Helpful for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
Need to be used consistently to be effective.

2. Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Spray

Particularly useful for watery runny noses caused by non-allergic rhinitis.
Works by calming down the overactive nerve signals that drive mucus production.

3. ClariFix® Treatment

A modern, minimally invasive treatment for chronic non-allergic rhinitis.
Uses cryotherapy (cold therapy) applied to the overactive nerves inside the nose.
Takes only a few minutes in clinic, with lasting results for many patients.

4. Additional Measures

Antihistamines (for allergic rhinitis).
Saline rinses to clear allergens and mucus.
Avoiding known triggers where possible.

How Hampshire ENT Clinics Can Help

Our experienced ENT consultants will:

Carry out a thorough history and nasal examination.
Arrange allergy testing if needed.
Tailor your treatment—whether that’s medical sprays, in-clinic procedures like ClariFix®, or a combination.

We understand how disruptive constant nasal symptoms can be to daily life. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can finally gain control and breathe more comfortably.

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with a runny nose or post-nasal drip, you don’t have to live with it. Contact Hampshire ENT Clinics today and let our expert team help you find relief.

Matt Ward