thanks for your quick reply! unfortunately, this is already a part of my daily routine

i use a neti pot or some form of saline rinse at least 2 or 3 times a day. Although I've never really had any obvious allergies, I do take claritin-d to relieve some of the pressure. i have an allergy test tomorrow to see if anything obvious jumps out.
thanks again, and i'm glad you are feeling better!