“The nasal cavity has normal physiological responses to different levels of activity,” says Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained neurorhinologist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California.
Aerobic activities such as cycling, running, and hiking tend to produce a greater response, but any exercise can be effective, Dr. Yong continues. As your heart rate increases, the lining of your nasal passages tightens, allowing more air to move into your nose. When this happens, the mucus produced in the nose becomes thinner and thinner than usual.
“This may cause a bit of dripping in the front of your nose or back of your throat,” says Yong.
Still, some people are more prone to a runny nose while exercising than others (aka exercise-induced rhinitis). Some people also experience sneezing, itching, and stuffy nose.
Ahead, experts break down the potential reasons exercise causes nosebleeds and how to prevent them.
1. Those with allergic rhinitis
As more air enters the nasal passages during exercise, there is a greater risk of introducing irritants. This is especially true if you have allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies).
Allergic rhinitis is also commonly known as hay fever. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to substances in the environment, such as pollen or mold, causing a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes, mouth, or skin, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Combine the general effects exercise has on your nasal passages with allergens, and you've got a sure-fire recipe for a runny nose disaster.
To lower your chances of getting a runny nose, choose where you exercise carefully. For example, if you have pollen allergies, avoid exercising outdoors on days when pollen is high, says Dr. Tiffany Owens, an allergist and immunologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Using a daily nasal spray containing antihistamines and/or corticosteroids may also help reduce inflammation in the nasal lining. “Some patients with allergic irritation inside the nose find that this helps them be less reactive at any time, especially when exercising,” says Yong.
Prescription and over-the-counter nasal sprays are available for a variety of drug types. Talk to your doctor to find out which option is best for you.
It is completely normal for your nose to run during exercise.
2. If you have non-allergic rhinitis
If you have a stuffy nose or runny nose when you exercise, but there is no itching (or illness), you may have non-allergic rhinitis.
Unlike allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis does not have a clear cause, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, Mr. Yong explains this as a problem of nerve sensitivity inside the nose. Basically, the nerves inside the nasal cavity become hypersensitive to certain triggers, such as changes in weather, drugs, odors, hot or spicy foods, and irritants such as dust or smoke. When exposed to these triggers, your nose responds by producing more mucus.
Similar to its allergic cousin, non-allergic rhinitis can cause a runny nose during exercise if it encounters a trigger. Think about it. This could mean going outside when it's colder in the winter, doing yoga in a heated room, or inhaling more smoke from passing cars while running.
Avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent a runny nose during exercise. However, this is not realistic for many of us, so it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about other options, including medication.
“We often prescribe an anticholinergic spray called Atrovent, which actually acts to dampen nerve sensitivity and responsiveness inside the nose, which will help reduce irritation of the mucous glands and ultimately reduce the amount of mucus produced during that period of activity. can.” The dragon says
Anticholinergic sprays are generally used as needed, so you can take them before exercise if you often have exercise-induced reactions, Yong adds.
3. When the nasal septum is bent
Owens says there may be a structural reason for a runny nose during exercise. It is a deviated septum.
When the nasal septum is deviated, the thin wall of bone and cartilage (nasal septum) that divides the inside of the nose in half is shifted to one side. This causes one nasal cavity to be smaller than the other.
It is estimated that up to 80% of people have a deviated septum, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Some of us are born with this disease, while others contract it as a result of trauma or nose injury.
In many cases, a deviated septum does not cause any problems. However, in severe cases of deviated septum, one side of the nose may be blocked, causing nasal congestion. Because of this congestion, you may find your nose running during your exercise session.
In such cases, your doctor may recommend medications to manage your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, these may include decongestants to reduce swelling of nasal tissues (best for short-term use), antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, and nasal steroid sprays to reduce nasal swelling. .
Who is prone to a runny nose during exercise?
It is completely normal for your nose to run during exercise. However, people with allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, and/or a significantly deviated nasal septum are more likely to have a runny nose.
Even within such groups, certain people may be more affected than others. “For non-allergic rhinitis, anecdotally, we tend to find that as people get older, it can sometimes affect the nerves inside the nose, which can lead to more mucus production,” Yong says.
Dr. Yong added that people with sinus infections are more likely to have a runny nose during daily activities or exercise.