If your nose is always running—but you're not sick and allergy tests come back negative—you’re not alone. Many people deal with chronic sniffles, drip, or congestion and don’t realize the culprit may be something called non-allergic rhinitis. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, we specialize in identifying and treating the real causes of persistent nasal issues—so you can finally breathe easy.
What Is Non-Allergic Rhinitis?
Non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) causes symptoms similar to allergies—like a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing—but without any immune system response. It’s not triggered by pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Instead, it’s often provoked by things like:
- Weather changes (cold air, humidity)
- Strong odors (perfume, cleaning products)
- Smoke or pollution
- Spicy food or alcohol
- Hormonal shifts
- Overuse of nasal decongestants
Unlike allergic rhinitis, which tends to be seasonal, NAR can happen year-round and is not linked to specific allergens.
Why It Happens
The exact cause of non-allergic rhinitis isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve hypersensitive nerve endings in your nose. When exposed to certain irritants, your nasal lining overreacts, producing excessive mucus or swelling.
This condition can also coexist with structural nasal issues like a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, or it may be worsened by chronic sinusitis.
How We Diagnose It
Many people live for years assuming their symptoms are “just allergies” or part of a recurring cold. At Atlanta ENT, our team takes a deeper look. We may recommend:
- A thorough physical exam and nasal endoscopy
- Imaging (such as CT scans) to assess your sinuses and anatomy
- Allergy testing to rule out allergic rhinitis
If allergies aren’t the issue, we look for other possible causes—like non-allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, or nerve-related overactivity in the nasal lining.
Effective Treatments That Bring Relief
The good news? Chronic runny nose is highly treatable—with or without medication. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Prescription nasal sprays (anticholinergics or steroid-based)
- Saline rinses to flush irritants
- Lifestyle modifications (avoiding triggers)
- Advanced in-office solutions like:
- ClariFix® Cryotherapy – freezes the overactive nasal nerves to reduce inflammation and mucus production
- Vivaer® Nasal Airway Remodeling – gently reshapes nasal tissues to improve airflow and reduce congestion
- Neuromark® Nerve Disruption Technology - A cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that targets the posterior nasal nerve, Neuromark® uses radiofrequency energy to precisely disrupt the nerve pathways contributing to chronic runny nose and congestion. This next-generation technology offers precise control, quick recovery, and long-lasting relief—right from our office setting.
All of these treatments are non-invasive, quick, and performed right in our office with little to no downtime.
When to See an ENT Specialist
If your runny nose has lasted more than a few weeks—or keeps coming back despite allergy meds—it’s time to see an ENT. Persistent nasal drainage can interfere with your sleep, concentration, and overall comfort. You shouldn’t have to live with tissues in hand every day.
Schedule a Visit with Atlanta ENT
Let us help you get to the bottom of your chronic runny nose. Atlanta ENT offers expert care, advanced diagnostics, and the latest in minimally invasive treatments to help you breathe better.
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
