Chronic rhinitis is, unfortunately, an all-too-common problem in the US.

Most of the time, it’s caused by allergies which are our body’s response to the presence of specific allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, mold, ragweed, or dust.

Sinus congestion and discomfort can be quite bothersome, especially during the colder months. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, some people prefer natural remedies. 

Non-allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is caused by environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and air pollution. Studies show that around one-fourth of all rhinitis cases are not directly caused by allergies and require us to take a more holistic approach to find a permanent solution.

To find the key to the puzzle, we must first understand what causes allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?

Our immune system has proven itself capable of battling infections and other foreign invaders throughout history. However, it can occasionally overreact in the presence of certain elements known as allergens.

Some of the most common allergens are:

  • Pet dander
  • Pollen and spores
  • Mold
  • Cockroach Residues
  • Ragweed
  • Dust mites

Our immune system orders cells to release several chemicals, including histamine, which is responsible for inflaming the nose’s mucous membrane. The body then produces an excess of mucus which leads to nasal congestion.

What Causes Non-Allergic Rhinitis?

As we mentioned before, not all rhinitis is caused by our immune system’s overreaction in the presence of allergens. Non-allergic rhinitis occurs when an outside factor causes our nose’s blood vessels to expand, which in turn leads to swelling and that awful feeling of congestion.

Non-allergic rhinitis is often caused by:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Smog
  • Detergents
  • Odors
  • Temperature and weather fluctuations.
  • Spicy food
  • Stress

If you’ve ever felt a need to clear your nose but notice little to no mucus, chances are you’re experiencing non-allergic rhinitis. The feeling of congestion comes from swelling in the nose area and not because of mucus accumulation.

As you can see, battling these two forms of chronic rhinitis involves a holistic approach that targets both its symptoms as well as its root causes.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal Irrigation with a Neti pot is one of the most popular (and effective!) home remedies for rhinitis. Nasal lavage is a low-cost way to get rid of nasal secretions and stuffiness around the nose area, and it’s completely safe to do at home, as long as you follow the indications to the letter.

This home remedy has proven itself effective against allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, and it comes with easy-to-follow instructions that you must follow at all times.

First, you must always clean and dry your Neti pot after each use. Thoroughly wash it with antibacterial soap and clean it with a fresh towel.

Second, you must use sterile, distilled water. Boil the water for a few minutes and wait for it to cool to a lukewarm temperature.

Third, don’t use your Neti pot regularly. Routinary use is highly discouraged.

And fourth, never use it on an infant.

The process is simple:

  1. Add the saline solution to your dry Neti pot.
  2. Turn your head at a 45-degree angle.
  3. Tip the Neti pot and let the saline solution reach your nostril.
  4. Slowly pour its content until it’s empty.
  5. Use a tissue to remove any remaining saline and mucus from the area.

Allergic Rhinitis & Chronic Sinusitis Myers

IV nutrition therapy is, by far, one of the most effective natural treatments for sinus inflammation and seasonal allergies.

IV Myer’s cocktails were first developed by John Myers MD, a physician who helped patients by injecting them with a blend of vitamins and essential nutrients. Dr. John Myers realized that digesting these nutrients not only takes considerable time but that only a percentage of these doses would reach your bloodstream. By delivering the cocktail with an IV infusion, cells can fully absorb these essential nutrients that everyone needs.

This mix of vital vitamins and nutrients also makes up for deficiencies that patients often have. 

Myer’s cocktails are tailor-made to deal with a wide variety of ailments, such as:

  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Sinus Inflammation
  • Fatigue
  • Migraine
  • Depression
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Chronic Stress

Depending on which Myer’s cocktail your certified professional recommends, you might find ingredients such as:

  • Vitamin C, B-12, and B-Complex Vitamins
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Calcium
  • Antioxidants
  • Glutathione

All of these nutrients positively impact your well-being in some way. Zinc, for instance, is not naturally created by our bodies, but it helps regulate our immune system. Magnesium can reduce fatigue and migraines, while B vitamins reduce excessive inflammation derived from chronic rhinitis and seasonal allergies. 

Just make sure you go to certified professionals qualified to administer your Allergic Rhinitis & Chronic Sinusitis Myers in a controlled environment.

Actionable Tips to Prevent Rhinitis

There are some quick and affordable lifestyle adjustments you can adopt today to mitigate (or nullify) allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

  1. Saline Nasal Rinse:

    • One of the most effective natural remedies for sinus congestion is a saline nasal rinse. You can purchase a saline spray at your local pharmacy or make your own saline solution at home by mixing salt and warm water. Gently irrigate your nasal passages with the saline solution using a neti pot or a nasal spray bottle. This helps to thin mucus and flush out irritants, providing relief from congestion.
  2. Steam Inhalation:

    • Inhaling steam is another excellent way to alleviate sinus congestion. Boil a pot of water and carefully lean over it with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. Breathe in the warm, moist air for about 5-10 minutes. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the hot water can enhance the benefits by opening up your nasal passages.
  3. Spicy Foods:

    • Spicy foods, such as chili peppers and horseradish, contain compounds that can help clear sinus congestion. These foods can stimulate the release of mucus and provide relief from blocked sinuses. Incorporate spicy dishes into your meals, but be mindful of your tolerance level, as overly spicy foods can be uncomfortable.

Boosting your personal hygiene is a quick and easy fix that goes a long way. Taking showers after being outside, washing your bedding every week in hot water, and purchasing a dust-mite-proof pillow are all easy, actionable tips that protect you from rhinitis.

Negating potential allergens and elements that cause sinus inflammation is also a great idea. For instance, keeping your windows closed will severely lower the pollen count inside your home. Wearing a mask while cleaning the house or mowing the lawn will filter pollen particles and other common allergens as well.

Remember that these natural remedies may not work for everyone, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if your sinus issues persist or worsen. Additionally, maintaining good nasal hygiene, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants like smoking can help prevent sinus problems in the first place.

Purchasing a high-efficiency air purifier with a built-in HEPA filter will also do wonders for your air quality. The newer models allow you to program them to efficiently purify your air from potential allergens and other known elements that cause non-allergic rhinitis.

Closing Words

Natural sinus treatments are on the rise, and thankfully, they’re incredibly effective and affordable. We’ve featured home remedies, actionable tips, as well as certified solutions for those that need relief today. Thank you for reading!

Categories: Health

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].