If you're congested while running, you're likely experiencing symptoms of allergies or the beginning of a cold. If you have allergies, there are several steps you can take to relieve your symptoms, but a cold will need to run its course. If you're unsure what's causing your congestion, consult with your doctor.
Causes
Even if you've never had allergies, the symptoms can come without warning. During the sensitization process of allergies, your body comes in contact with a substance and mistakes it for something harmful and begins producing antibodies to destroy it in the future. The next time you're around the substance, or allergen, you get itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and all the other symptoms associated with hay fever. Common allergens while running are pollen, dust and spores from fungi and mold. If you have cold-like symptoms, there are over 200 different viruses that cause cold symptoms and these viruses can be spread from an infected object or directly from the person infected with the cold.
Identification
If you don't feel sick and have nasal congestion, you may have developed allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Hay fever symptoms are likely to occur outdoors during early spring to early autumn. Shortly after being exposed to an allergen, in addition to nasal congestion, you'll have a runny nose, teary eyes and be sneezing. You may also have a cough and itchy throat, nose, eyes or mouth. Your sense of smell may be reduced and sinus pressure is likely present. These symptoms are similar for a common cold, except a common cold may also have a low fever, body aches and tiredness. Colds are more common in the fall and winter because there are a lot of people indoors and the lining of your nose is drier and prone to viral infections.
Treatments
Nasal corticosteroids can prevent and treat nasal inflammation. Anti-histamines taken orally or as a nasal spray can stop your immune system from releasing histamines which will control many of your allergy symptoms. Decongestants can also be used, but should not be used for more than three days. A sinus rinse by a bulb syringe or peti pot can help clear your nasal passages. An allergy shot, or immunotherapy may be best for hard to avoid hay fever allergens. There's no cure for colds, but you can lessen the severity of your symptoms by not running while you have a cold and getting plenty of rest. Drink plenty of fluids and take a decongestant to clear your nose. Acetaminophen can help relieve body aches and a headache.
Prevention
Identifying the allergen that triggers your allergies and avoiding it is the best way to stop hay fever symptoms. However, most allergens related to hay fever are difficult to avoid while running outdoors, especially during windy days when pollen count is at its highest. If your allergies are acting up, run indoors on a treadmill and away from open windows. If you run on your treadmill at home, keep the area clean and free of dust or mold. To avoid colds, frequently wash your hands and avoid close contact with people that are sick. Frequently disinfect objects that others touch, such as doorknobs, phones and cupboards since a person may be infected with a cold virus without you knowing it.
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