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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Post Nasal Drip And Allergic Rhinitis?

Dear Doctor, I am a 50 year old white male. I live in the suburban Detroit, Michigan (USA) area. Just looking for as much additional advice or opinions regarding my diagnosis. Ive been under the care of a ENT specialist and allergy specialist the past 2 years or so. I was diagnosed with sinus disease and a CT scan also revealed a very crooked septum. The main chronic symptom Ive suffered from for several years is constant draining of mucus into my throat or what my Dr described as post nasal drip . I also was diagnosed by the allergy dr with a handful of mild allergies mainy grass pollen, dust, and cat dander; however mold was specifically ruled out. Thus far of the many prescription and OTC medicines prescribed nothing seems to help. The main discomfort that at times can be debilitating is the feeling of major congestion in my throat that can last for days or even weeks. The result is the constant need to clear my throat which my dr explained makes the problem worse. Some of the meds Ive tried...singular, cetirizine, oral steroids, inhalers, antibiotics, Flonase and daily saline nasal cleanser; however as I said nothing helps rather the symptoms seems to diminish or disappear altogether on their own. I also orginally took Prilosec for 3 months prior to sinus disease diagnosis as the dr thought my symptoms were from acid reflux despite rarely suffering from heartburn/indigestion. That was ruled out; furthermore my lungs are clear and as bad as the symptoms can get they never include anything close to shortness of breath. When I was younger I did suffer from mild asthma. I recently discussed corrective septum surgery with the Dr; however in addition to him being upfront and honest by explaining the surgery is somewhat risky and minor complications frequently occur, he also made it clear in his experience, surgery almost never relieves post nasal drip nor the type of symptoms I describe. In conclusion the symptoms seem to be consistent with allergies however if that s the case why are all the allergy meds I have tried been totally ineffective? I d think it would be nominally affective? Whatever is the cause it can be concluded its not anything lethal as the symptoms haven t become worse, or any more or less frequent just chronic and very unpredictable. Please also note weather, season, temperature, rain/snow ect makes no difference. The symptoms occur at various levels of severity every 1-2 months as I said lasting a few days to as much as a couple weeks. Thank you for taking the time to review this lengthy correspondence. Any advice or opinions are appreciated since I m very frustrated.
Thu, 27 Sep 2018
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

The symptoms are suggestive of sinusitis secondary to allergic rhinitis.

Consult an ENT specialist and start on anti-allergic medicines like antihistamines.

If the symptoms are severe, surgical correction may be required.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain,
General & Family Physician
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What Causes Post Nasal Drip And Allergic Rhinitis?

Hi, The symptoms are suggestive of sinusitis secondary to allergic rhinitis. Consult an ENT specialist and start on anti-allergic medicines like antihistamines. If the symptoms are severe, surgical correction may be required. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician