Your nose runs during exercise because of cold, dry air and reflexes that increase nasal mucus.
Why
- Cold air triggers nasal glands to make more mucus.
- Exercise increases blood flow and nasal secretion.
- The reflex is called rhinorrhea.
Name
Exercise induced rhinitis.
Common
It’s harmless.
Tips
- Carry tissues.
- Warm up indoors in cold weather.
- Breathe through the nose.
See a doctor
If symptoms come with itching, sneezing or last all year (allergies).
Physiology
Nasal discharge during exercise is called exercise-induced rhinorrhea. Deep breathing of cool or dry air triggers the nasal glands to make mucus to warm and humidify the air, controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. Nasal blood flow also increases.
- It is common in runners, cyclists and skiers and is typically benign.
- Allergies, a cold and a deviated septum can make it worse.
- In cold-induced rhinitis (“skier’s nose”) the nose runs in cold air.
Tips and when to check
Use a headband or tissues, and breathe through the nose to warm air. A saline spray before activity can help. Ipratropium nasal spray is prescribed for persistent cases of cold-induced rhinorrhea. See a doctor for runny nose with clear fluid following a head injury (possible cerebrospinal fluid leak), with one-sided bloody discharge, or with fever and facial pain, which suggest sinus infection.
Physiology
Exercise increases blood flow and body temperature, and the nasal lining swells and produces more mucus. Cold air also triggers exercise induced rhinitis, in which nerves stimulate the nose to produce fluid to warm and humidify air. It is harmless.
Tips and when to check
Carry tissues and breathe through the nose when possible. If symptoms come with wheeze or chest tightness, check for exercise induced asthma. Allergies can add to symptoms.
Cold air and rhinitis
Exercise induced rhinitis is a runny nose from vigorous exercise, mostly from the parasympathetic nervous system. Cold air holds less moisture, so the nose secretes more fluid to humidify air, producing drip. Ipratropium nasal spray has been shown to reduce the symptom. Runners and skiers often get it.
Differentiating allergies
Allergic rhinitis affects 25 to 30 percent of Americans and may worsen with outdoor pollen exposure. Nasal congestion with itching, sneezing and watery eyes suggests allergies. Try saline sprays before activity and check pollen counts. If symptoms are accompanied by wheezing or chest tightness, seek an asthma assessment.
Based on data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
