Brief Answer:
See Allergist, longterm and monitored steroid therapy, check TB and reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I understand how disturbing this could be. However, it might be important to get a few key questions answered. Have ever been put on medication that you continuously for about three months or more? Do you feel you have been losing weight, appetite, have some fevers or fatigue?

What you describe is actually compatible with an allergic condition. It might advisable at some point to take steroids, well selected for over three months. Have you seen the allergist before? It could be a good idea for a proper investigation to be done to: one identify the agents that could aggravate the allergy, causing you to cough or drip more and two: ascertain the intensity of the allergy. These are useful to direct or target specific care. If severe, immune desensitization by your allergist can be helpful.

It is also advisable to exclude other conditions like tuberculosis. A chest X ray can be very useful and a sputum exam. This might not be useful and clearly established allergic rhinitis, but is however worth thinking about. Chronic cough is also not very rare in persons with gastroesophagal reflux disease. A history of oral flush, chest pain and gastritis can be useful to exclude this. It can at some point aggravate the allergic condition and also cause chronic cough.

I strong suggest you see an allergist for proper evaluation and targeted care if you have not seen one, In case of established allergic rhinitis , I suggest long steroid therapy, well monitored for at least three to six months. Excluding cautiously an infcetion like tuberculosis however should not be completely ignored.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of Health.

Dr Bain

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Brief Answer:
ENT opinion, Momethasone, Prednisolone, immune desentization

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

Mometasone (Nasonex) has been generally effective in my patients, especially when it is taken regularly for about six weeks. I usually suggest they take the drug for at least three months in those with confirmed chronic allergic rhinitis. If refractory to treatment, the allergist might add immune desentization sensations. It is important for the allergist to properly screen from the allergen to make the patient avoid situations or environments that create such allergies. In some situations, chronic allergic rhinitis could be due to nasal septum deviation or growths (polyps) that might require a surgical intervention. The opinion of an Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT) specialist might be required at some point.

Simple steroids like 40mg of prednisolone every morning for a month or two have helped most of my patients. It could be worth trying.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

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