Chronic Rhinitis Problem

I have an annoying problem with a constant runny nose, which is particularly pronounced before I eat a meal that includes all foods, not just certain ones. I am now 66 years old and the problem has been getting particularly worse since I turned 60. Other than the runny nose, I am in very good health.  Currently I am taking one 20 mg. Zyrtec pill a day and 0.06% Ipratrpium Bromide nasal solution 4 times a day, each time with 2 sprays in each nostril. The Zyrtec and nasal spray help somewhat but I still have the runny nose problem, particularly at meal time. My ENT doctor insists that even though the problem is worse at meals, I do not have a particular food allergy. Can you recommend a better treatment for my chronic running nose?

Thanks.

Harold Familant

[National Jewish Health]

Your doctor's right.  This doesn't sound like a food allergy.  Sounds more like chronic rhino-sinusitis.  A trial of inhaled nasal steroid would be appropriate.