Does you nose seem to run as fast as your legs when you exercise? Well, you're not alone.
Exercise-induced rhinitis is really common among athletes, according to researchers at the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Clinic of Colorado.
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. Symptoms include, excessive mucus production, congestion, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes - fun stuff, huh?
It can happen whether or not you have allergies. And it doesn't matter if you are exercising inside or outside, or if the air is cold or warm. It usually happens with vigorous exercise such as running, cycling, or skiing.
If you don't mind a drippy nose, keep a generous supply of tissues stuffed in your tank top or jacket pocket.
It it's driving you nuts, you can treat symptoms before they start. Make an appointment with an allergist, so you can get a prescription nasal spray. You'll have to take it for a week or so to start seeing results. And you'll have to keep taking it to keep your nose from running and ruining your workout.
Make Up For Ever
Lom Bok
D&G
My nose doesn't run, but I'm constantly sneezing when I exercise.
1i always have a runny nose when i start exercizing! i thought i was allergic to something at the gym. its not exactly cool to keep tissues on you and blow your nose when on the treadmil so i just sniffel it back. but then it feels like i am choking on my own snot. its disgusting.
2OMG that is SOOO me!!! I'm a runny nose running girl!
3My nose run only runs when I, well, run. It begins within a few minutes to a few hours after I run and usually begins with a sneezing fit. It becomes so severe that I can't sit up or it just pours out like water. I causes me to miss work and suspend other exercise for the next few days. I haven't found anything that helps. I've tried steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays (alone and together, prescription antihistamines plus the sprays, added allery injection therapy to all of the above. I test positive for several allergies but they are mild and it doesn't impact this condition whether I'm treating them or not. Have also tried nasal irrigation following exercise and chromalyn sodium spray (Nasalcrom) prior to exercise.
I've researched this forever but I can't find anything that can treat or cure this. If it was simply uncomfortable I would just live with it. However, it costs me work and exercise time. ANY suggestions beyond the above would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks,
4Tom
I have the same severity of conditions and symptoms as Tom. I end up missing work and have to stay away from the gym for several days as the symptoms are so severe. I also have allergy rhinitis for which I take over the counter medication and nasal sprays but nothing works. I asked my family doctor and she just thought there was something in the air at the gym. I switched gyms and same problem. I've since been scouring the Internet and while I was able to figure out that I have exercise induced rhinitis, I have not read of any treatments that I've not already tried. I am desperate for a treatment b/c I need to jog in order to keep my sanity. Anyone?
Tx, Sue
5Actually, I have one one drug that works (slowly): a short course of prednisone (a steroid) but it takes a day to have an impact and it's harmful to use long term. The allergist said to take it at the first hint. I keep the bottle in my gym bag.
Tom
6Actually, I have one one drug that works (slowly): a short course of prednisone (a steroid) but it takes a day to have an impact and it's harmful to use long term. The allergist said to take it at the first hint. I keep the bottle in my gym bag.
7I have read the comments from Sneezy & Drippy Runner with great interest. I just started running. After my 1st run of any real distance, the sneezing and flow from my nose started. I popped an antihistamine about an hour after thinking it was allergy related (it's Fall where I am with lots of falling leaves, etc) - no change. I did not sleep at all that night. Even sitting upright & not moving, the flow was constant. On day 3, I went to see the doctor - without touching me & despite the fact that I described it started RIGHT after running, she told me I had a cold & to try a decongestant. My symptoms subsided 4 days after the run - I don't believe the decongestant did anything & I convinced myself, I had a touch of a flu bug.
Still thinking it was a fluke, I headed out again & ran longer. This time, the sneezing/flowing started right at the end of the run AGAIN. I am now 6 days post run & while the symptoms have gotten better, I am still dripping & sneezing - not constant anymore but certainly far from normal. I feel very defeated & pathetic since my nose runs faster than I do! Not to mention, it is very difficult to work & do normal activities when your nose has become a faucet & everyone is looking at you (especially now with H1N1 'everywhere') like you should be quarantined. Pretending to sleep sitting up also takes a heck of a toll.
I am fortunate as I am getting in to see an ears nose & throat specialist (otolaryngologist) this week & have a CT scan booked. I am far from a hypocondriac but I know this is NOT normal. I have a strong desire to get better at running but I can't lose days at a time from my life. This doctor specializes in sinuses so he may have a different approach than an allergist?
If others are interested, I will let you know what the outcome of this is for me - I may end up like the rest of you with no answers at all.
At a minimum, it sounds like there are a few of us that would be a great test market for the softness of Kleenex and other competing brands!
8MAN! It depends on how long I run but I have the same problem! It blows! That's all I have to say, I don't know how to fix it. It doesn't happen if i only go three miles or less but five and I'm a sneezing fool! It's bad. :
:: Anyone have any luck with a fix?
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