If running, cycling, or even lifting weights sends you rushing for tissues, you're not alone. It's a common problem. Also known as rhinitis, your runny nose can be accompanied by congestion and sneezing, but with no apparent cause. While these sorts of symptoms are not harmful, they can still be treated if they become bothersome.
Causes
Your chronic runny nose when exercising is caused by expanding blood vessels in your nose. These dilated blood vessels fill the nasal lining with blood and fluid, resulting in swollen nasal membranes or congestion. There are many scenarios unrelated to allergies that may cause this reaction, including exercise. While exercise may be the main culprit, it may also be related to the environment you're exercising in, with outdoor exercise possibly exacerbating the symptoms.
Triggers
While your symptoms may not be caused by allergens, exercise-induced rhinitis is more prevalent in those who already suffer from seasonal allergies. Indoor allergens like chemicals, mold, and pet dander can trigger a reaction while outdoor allergens like pollen, dust, and air pollutants can as well. Cold weather, strong smells, and even allergens that might be sneaking into your diet can also account for reactions. Document your workouts to determine if there is anything specific or routine that occurs when your symptoms appear. Note the time of day, environment you're in, exercise format, and diet choices surrounding the time you exercise.
Treatment
If your runny nose only occurs during exercise, treating it it may be as simple as stocking up on tissues prior to your workout and planning to avoid triggers that you know affect you. If the symptoms hinder your activity level or affect your lifestyle, your doctor or an allergist may be able to prescribe a nasal spray. While it will not permanently solve the problem, it will be useful for temporary relief. Saline nasal sprays, decongestant nasal sprays, and oral decongestants are options that will not require a prescription. For very severe cases, such as a deviated nasal septum or persistent nasal polyps, surgery may be required.
Considerations
For a correct diagnosis, see a healthcare professional to determine exactly what is causing your exercise-induced runny nose. Although you may not have had allergies in the past, it is possible that your body has developed allergic symptoms as you've aged. Your doctor will be able to rule out allergy or sinus problems as the culprit by performing skin and blood tests, a nasal endoscopy, or even a CT scan.
