Runny Nose Specialist

Alexis Furze, MD -  - Otolaryngology

Alexis Furze, MD

Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery located in Newport Beach, CA

As a symptom, a runny nose can be caused by a long list of conditions, ranging from the common cold to chronic sinusitis. If you’re constantly grabbing for a tissue, Alexis Furze, MD, can get to the bottom of the problem and clear up your runny nose at his office in Newport Beach, California. As a double board-certified nasal specialist, Dr. Furze helps his patients in Orange County overcome the many issues that can lead to a runny nose. To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Runny Nose Q & A

What is a runny nose?

While the answer to this question may be obvious, it’s helpful to step back and take a look at the specifics behind a runny nose. Your nose creates a fair amount of mucus on a daily basis (up to a quart), which helps moisturize your nasal cavity and flush out foreign matter, especially bacteria and viruses. This mucus is flushed out through your saliva at the back of your throat and into your gastrointestinal tract.

When you produce an excess of mucus, or your mucus isn’t draining properly, it can lead to a runny nose, which is also called rhinorrhea or rhinitis. The discharge may be clear or cloudy, depending on whether there’s an infection present.

What causes a runny nose?

There are many conditions that can lead to a runny nose, but the following are the most common culprits:

  • Upper respiratory infection (cold or flu)
  • Allergies
  • Environmental irritants, such as smoke or dry air
  • Sinusitis, either acute or chronic
  • Deviated septum
  • Nasal polyps
  • Hormones
  • Certain medications, such as birth control or blood pressure medications

In some cases, you may have nonallergic rhinitis, which means there’s no explanation for your runny nose. And a runny nose can be temporarily brought on by cold air, spicy foods, and crying.

If your runny nose is a nagging presence outside of temporary causes, an appointment with Dr. Furze can help you get to the bottom of the problem and, more importantly, find relief.

How is a runny nose treated?

To start, Dr. Furze sits down with you to review your problem and your medical history. He may also turn to advanced imaging to get a closer look inside your nasal cavity, including an in-office nasal and sinus endoscopic evaluation and CT scan of your nose and sinuses.

If Dr. Furze finds your problem is caused by an anatomical problem, such as a deviated septum, he typically recommends a septoplasty to remedy the issue once and for all. If nasal polyps are behind the problem, he may recommend a steroid treatment to reduce the polyps.

Should you suffer from chronic sinusitis, Dr. Furze offers an innovative balloon sinuplasty, which encourages better mucus drainage in your nasal cavity. No matter the underlying cause, Dr. Furze can help you get the treatment you need to put an end to your constant and nagging runny nose.

To get started, call Alexis Furze, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.