Nose Running Due to Exercise-Induced Rhinitis: Why & What are the Treatment Options

Bodily exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity is proven to help control weight, combat health conditions and diseases, improve mood, boost energy levels, and enhance functional independence and mobility. 

Additionally, lifelong exercise has been associated with a longer health span, delaying the onset of 40 chronic conditions and diseases. However, despite these multitude of benefits, certain physical conditions can be triggered by exercise, one of which is exercise-induced rhinitis.

Understanding Exercise-Induced Rhinitis

Exercise-induced rhinitis is a unique condition that arises during or after physical activity, presenting symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or nasal itching. The condition can be classified into two distinct types.

Allergic Exercise-Induced Rhinitis

Allergic exercise-induced rhinitis is essentially an allergic reaction that occurs during or after exercise. This type of rhinitis is caused by allergens present in the environment, like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. When you exercise, you breathe more deeply and rapidly, which can introduce more of these allergens into your nasal passages.

Non-Allergic Exercise-Induced Rhinitis

Non-allergic exercise-induced rhinitis, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of an allergic reaction. This means that the symptoms are not triggered by an immune response to allergens. Instead, this type of rhinitis is thought to be caused by changes in temperature and humidity, increased blood flow to the nose, or exposure to irritants such as smoke, pollution, or strong odors.

Why Does Exercise-induced Rhinitis Happen? 

One aspect to consider is the normal nasal response to exercise. During physical activity, our heart rate increases, and the blood vessels within our tissues constrict (vasoconstriction), a process prompted by the release of adrenaline, a hormone produced by our bodies during stressful situations.

This exercise-induced vasoconstriction expands the capacity of your nasal passages, effectively creating more room in your airways to accommodate the increased breathing associated with strenuous activity.

Moreover, exercise also exhibits an expectorant-like effect. This means it thins mucus and helps expel it from the airways and nasal passages. Therefore, even if you don’t suffer from rhinitis, exercising can still result in a runny nose due to these physiological responses.

Triggers of Rhinitis While Exercising

Exercise-induced rhinitis can be triggered by a variety of different factors, depending on both the type of rhinitis and the individual’s unique sensitivities.

Allergic Exercise-Induced Rhinitis Triggers

For those with allergic exercise-induced rhinitis, common triggers include allergens in the environment. These can be either outdoor or indoor allergens.

Outdoor allergens, like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, can be particularly problematic during certain times of the year, such as spring and fall when pollen counts are high. Similarly, mold spores can also trigger symptoms, especially in damp or humid environments.

Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and indoor molds, can be problematic for individuals exercising indoors. These allergens can be found in high quantities in places like carpeting, upholstery, bedding, and even in the air.

Cold air can also trigger symptoms of allergic exercise-induced rhinitis. This is especially common in individuals who exercise outdoors in cold weather. The cold air can cause the nasal blood vessels to expand, leading to increased blood flow to the nose and resulting in a runny nose.

Non-Allergic Exercise-Induced Rhinitis Triggers

For non-allergic exercise-induced rhinitis, triggers can be less specific and more related to environmental conditions. Changes in temperature, humidity, or air quality can all trigger symptoms. For instance, transitioning from a warm indoor environment to a cold outdoor environment, or vice versa, can trigger a runny nose and other symptoms.

Exposure to irritants in the air can also trigger non-allergic exercise-induced rhinitis. These irritants can include smoke, pollution, strong odors, and certain chemicals. For example, exercising in an area with high air pollution or around strong cleaning products or perfumes can lead to symptoms.

In both types of exercise-induced rhinitis, the increased airflow through the nasal passages during exercise can also contribute to symptoms. This increased airflow can dry out and irritate the nasal passages, leading to a protective response that includes increased mucus production.

Treatment Options for Exercise-Induced Rhinitis

The treatment of exercise-induced rhinitis largely depends on the type of rhinitis and the specific triggers involved. Here’s a closer look at some of the options:

Allergic Exercise-Induced Rhinitis Treatment

For individuals with allergic exercise-induced rhinitis, the primary treatment approach involves managing the allergic response. This can include:

Antihistamines

These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes.

Intranasal Corticosteroids

These are nasal sprays that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. They can be very effective at controlling symptoms, but it may take a few days to work.

Allergen Avoidance

If possible, avoiding known allergens can help prevent symptoms. This might mean exercising indoors during pollen season or using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your home to reduce indoor allergens.

Non-Allergic Exercise-Induced Rhinitis Treatment

For non-allergic exercise-induced rhinitis, the focus is typically on managing symptoms and minimizing exposure to triggers. This can include:

Saline Nasal Sprays

Saline nasal sprays can help moisten the nasal passages and reduce symptoms of dryness and irritation.

Environmental Modifications

Modifying the exercise environment to minimize exposure to triggers can also be helpful. For instance, if cold air triggers symptoms, you might try warming up indoors before heading outside. Or, if air quality is a concern, you might choose to exercise indoors or use a face mask designed to filter out pollutants.

Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Spray

This prescription medication can help reduce a runny nose by preventing the glands in your nose from producing too much mucus.

Why Your Nose Runs While Exercising

If your nose runs while exercising, you may have been experiencing exercise-induced rhinitis. This happens when allergens like pollen or dust, changes in temperature, humidity, air quality, and exposure to certain chemicals or irritants are experienced while breathing heavily while exercising.

Treatment options typically depend on whether the rhinitis is allergic or non-allergic and can include medications, allergen avoidance, and modifications to the exercise environment. However, given the complexity and individual nature of this condition, it is always best to seek professional medical advice.

A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis, help identify your specific triggers, and create a personalized treatment plan. This way, you can continue to enjoy your exercise routine without the inconvenience of a runny nose. Remember, understanding your body’s reactions is the first step towards effective management.