An excessively runny nose is more of a nuisance than a cause for alarm. The same can also be said for sinus pressure, but it doesn’t make the situation any less frustrating. A number of things are known to contribute to both of these symptoms, most of which can be remedied with self-care. Before doing so, however, talk to your doctor. He can assess these and other symptoms to determine the real culprit.
Hay Fever
Your runny nose and sinus pressure could be simply a sign of hay fever. In fact, more than one in five people have this allergy. It develops when your immune system recognizes pollen from trees, weeds or grass as an allergen, causing the release of antibodies that trigger symptoms. Relief from a runny nose and sinus pressure often calls for an over-the-counter medication, such as antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays.
Other Allergies
While hay fever is one of the most common allergies, other allergens can cause these same symptoms. The list is probably as long as your arm but includes the likes of mold, fungal spores, dander, dust mites, cockroaches and even some foods, such as milk, wheat and soy, to name a few. With mold, dander and dust mites, taking an antihistamine or decongestant can do wonders for your symptoms, whereas food allergies typically require that you steer clear of the offending substance altogether.
Nonallergic Rhinitis
On the flipside of hay fever and other allergies is something knows as nonallergic rhinitis. This condition develops when irritants, medications, foods or environmental changes cause the nasal membranes to inflame, resulting in a runny nose and sinus pressure. Avoiding triggers is often the best form of treatment, but you can use many of the same medications for allergies to dry your runny nose and relieve your nasal pressure.
Sinusitis
Inflammation in your nasal cavity as a result of sinusitis could also be causing your excessive runny nose and sinus pressure. In this situation, you’ve likely come in contact with a virus, bacteria or even fungus that’s led to an infection. Nasal sprays and decongestants can help clear the nasal passages and lessen inflammation of the mucus membranes. If, however, you’re dealing with a chronic infection, you may need an antibiotic or antifungal medication to bring you relief.
Polyps
For some people, constant runny nose and sinus pressure is an indication of nasal polyps. While this may sound alarming, polyps are just benign growths that develop along the lining of your nasal passages. They often stem from allergies, infections and asthma. Nasal corticosteroids can reduce inflammation, which shrinks the size of the polyps and brings about relief. If this fails to improve your symptoms, your doctor might recommend a surgical procedure to remove the growths.
