Chronic Rhinitis — Root-Cause Treatment for Nasal Congestion

The nose only clears while the medication lasts

Chronic rhinitis is a condition in which nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing persist for more than three months. Antihistamines work only while you are taking them, and prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays can worsen the condition into rhinitis medicamentosa (medication-induced rhinitis).

Korean medicine diagnosis: Lung qi deficiency with cold (肺氣虛寒)

The root of chronic rhinitis is weak Lung qi combined with internal cold.

• Lung qi deficiency: Reduced defense capacity of the nasal mucosa, leading to hypersensitive reactions to external triggers.
• Cold (寒): Profuse clear watery discharge, worsening with cold air, and repeated sneezing.
• Sochung-yong-tang (小靑龍湯, Xiao Qing Long Tang): The flagship prescription for cold-type rhinitis with clear runny nose and sneezing as main symptoms.
• Biyeon-bang (鼻淵方): For heat-type rhinitis with yellow discharge and nasal blockage as main symptoms.

Acupuncture and moxibustion

Yingxiang (LI20) — the key acupoint on either side of the nose that immediately relieves congestion. Yintang (EX-HN3) and Shangxing (GV23) promote nasal blood flow. Moxibustion on Feishu (BL13) replenishes Lung yang.

Lifestyle measures alongside treatment

• Nasal irrigation: Rinse with saline solution morning and evening to reduce mucosal inflammation.
• Dust mite control: Wash bedding weekly in hot water and remove carpets.
• Maintain indoor humidity at 50–60% and avoid abrupt temperature changes.