Congestion from exercise, or exercise-induced rhinitis, commonly occurs in athletes and negatively affects athletic performance. In a Sept. 15, 2005, article in American Family Physician, the authors characterize exercise-induced rhinitis as a type of non-allergic rhinitis. Exposure to non-allergic and non-infection agents, such as temperature and barometric changes, triggers exercise-induced rhinitis. However, the exact effect of exercise on rhinitis remains unknown.
Prevalence
A February 2010 article from Current Allergy and Asthma Reports suggests that approximately 20 million Americans suffer from non-allergic rhinitis, including exercise-induced rhinitis. Non-allergic rhinitis occurs more commonly in women, and the typical age of onset occurs in the late 30s to early 40s. A 2006 article from Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology also reports that endurance athletes have higher incidences of rhinitis than other athletes.
Effect of Exercise
According to a 2006 article from Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, medical research cannot describe the exact effect of exercise on rhinitis. Some theories suggest that exercise causes increased nasal gland secretion as well as increased sensitivity to environmental factors, such as climate change and odors, according to a February 2010 article from Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. However, researchers have yet to prove these theories.
Triggers
Triggers of exercise-induced rhinitis exist both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor triggers include exposure to cold air, changes in temperature and weather, and outdoor pollution, according to Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Exercising in cold temperatures, such as skiing, triggers a type of rhinitis known as skier's nose, according to Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. Indoor triggers include exposure to formaldehyde, glues, paints, cleaners and vinyl.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of exercise-induced rhinitis include nasal obstruction, nasal congestion and sneezing due to inflammation of the soft tissue in the nose, according to American Family Physician. The Current Allergy and Asthma Reports article further divides rhinitis suffers into two categories -- runners and blockers. Runners typically experience more runny noses, while blockers experience more nasal congestion.
Treatment and Further Research
Treating exercise-induced rhinitis includes avoiding triggers as much as possible, according to Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. Exercise-induced rhinitis sufferers appear to be less responsive to treatment with medications, including intranasal steroids and topical antihistamines. Consult a physician or provider before beginning any type of treatment. More research is needed to tailor treatment to meet the specific needs of exercise-induced rhinitis sufferers.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Vasomotor Rhinitis; Patricia W. Wheeler, M.D. and Stephen F. Wheeler M.D.; Sept. 15, 2005
- "Current Allergy and Asthma Reports"; Vasomotor Rhinitis; Debendra Pattanaik and Phillip Lieberman; February 2010
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology'; Exercise-induced rhinitis: a common disorder that adversely affects allergic and nonallergic athletes; William S. Silvers, M.D. and Jill A. Poole, M.D.; 2006
