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What Causes Constant Running Nose?
Question: I find that I've been blowing my nose too many times throughout the day. Plus when I think back, I've had this issue since September or October. I go through about 20 Kleenex a day. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are 3 main possibilities:
1. Allergy: Starting in fall, dust mites increase and can be in bedding, drapes, upholstery, etc. Also, when we clothes the windows in the fall/winter, indoor air quality goes down, and if there are sensitivities to pet dander or other allergens, those can increase too. Usually with allergies, the nose or throat is a little itchy too. The treatment is to wash bedding in hot water weekly and cover pillows and mattresses with dust mite barrier covers, keep pets out of the bedroom. Cutting down on allergens in the bedroom while we sleep can help a great deal. Rinsing with nasal saline and taking anan antihistamine such as Zyrtec also can help. Nasal steroid or nasal antihistamine sprays can help too.
2. Vasomotor rhinitis: This is a runny nose from irritants such as laundry detergent fragrances, dryer sheets, perfumes, smoke, chemicals; or from hot and cold changes such as coming in from the cold or eating hot food or drinks. The treatment is to deal with the increased secretions with nasal steroid, nasal antihistamine, decongestants (oral).
3. Chronic sinusitis: Usually there is also pressure in the sinuses or a bad taste, sometimes a low grade fever. Treatment, if it has gone on for more than 2 weeks is an antibiotic.
Take Care!
Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh,
General & Family Physician
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are 3 main possibilities:
1. Allergy: Starting in fall, dust mites increase and can be in bedding, drapes, upholstery, etc. Also, when we clothes the windows in the fall/winter, indoor air quality goes down, and if there are sensitivities to pet dander or other allergens, those can increase too. Usually with allergies, the nose or throat is a little itchy too. The treatment is to wash bedding in hot water weekly and cover pillows and mattresses with dust mite barrier covers, keep pets out of the bedroom. Cutting down on allergens in the bedroom while we sleep can help a great deal. Rinsing with nasal saline and taking anan antihistamine such as Zyrtec also can help. Nasal steroid or nasal antihistamine sprays can help too.
2. Vasomotor rhinitis: This is a runny nose from irritants such as laundry detergent fragrances, dryer sheets, perfumes, smoke, chemicals; or from hot and cold changes such as coming in from the cold or eating hot food or drinks. The treatment is to deal with the increased secretions with nasal steroid, nasal antihistamine, decongestants (oral).
3. Chronic sinusitis: Usually there is also pressure in the sinuses or a bad taste, sometimes a low grade fever. Treatment, if it has gone on for more than 2 weeks is an antibiotic.
Take Care!
Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh,
General & Family Physician
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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