Rhinitis refers to the inflammation and irritation of the mucous secreting tissues in and behind the nose. Symptoms associated with rhinitis are a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching watery eyes and post nasal drip. Rhinitis can be grouped into two categories, namely allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis. A form of nonallergic rhinitis can be induced by exercise. It is known as exercise-induced rhinitis and is a subset of vasomotor rhinitis.
Exercise Induced Rhinitis
Exercise-induced rhinitis occurs in individuals who start to exhibit symptoms of rhinitis as soon as exercise begins. Typically, the more vigorously the individual exercises, the worse the symptoms become. Vasomotor rhinitis is different than rhinitis associated with a cold or allergies because the inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucous membranes is unrelated to an irritant like bacteria, viruses, spores or fumes.
Possible Explanations
Exercise-induced rhinitis has been linked to a branch of the autonomic nervous system known as the sympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system handles our "fight or flight" response and will prepare various areas of the body to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. There are specific branches of the sympathetic nervous system, and one of these goes to the nose and surrounding tissues. Researches hypothesize that in individuals with exercise-induced rhinitis, a state of hypervigilence already exists in the nasal branch of the sympathetic nervous system. By adding additional sympathetic activity to nasal tissues that are already "on guard," the nasal response with symptoms that would be appropriate in the case of an invader like bacteria or pollen is viewed as unwelcome.
Treatments
Due to the possibility of vasomotor rhinitis being mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, it does not respond to normal treatments used for rhinitis due to cold, flu or allergies. Most treatments for vasomotor rhinitis involve drying up the mucous membranes of the nose. These include salt water rinses, nasal steroids and decongestants.
Alternatives
Since vasomotor rhinitis has been linked to stress, it has also been shown to respond positively to stress reduction. As such, some alternative ways to deal with exercise-induced rhinitis are getting appropriate rest, good nutrition and engaging in stress-reducing activities.
Clear Diagnosis
As with any medical condition, make sure that you see your doctor to determine a a clear diagnosis based upon your symptoms. Since rhinitis comes in many forms, distinguishing which type might be affecting you will take some knowledge and testing. Determining the form of a rhinitis affecting you will determine which treatment measures are going to be the most effective.
