Exercise Rhinitis

[nandystam]

With the colder months soon to return, I am wondering if anyone else suffers from this condition?

It seems like the colder air makes me nose run from start to finish during a winter ride, making it a rather unpleasant experience. I've tried the usual array of antihistamines and sprays, even non-PBS (expensive) medication without success.

It seems that something like a balaclava / neck warmer / snood might do the trick, as it would seem those would help warm/humidify the air before it gets breathed in, and that is my next option. Although that may scare a few people along the way

But I wanted to see if anyone else has a similar issue and what you've done to remedy it?

[am50em]

I have had good success with garlic horseradish tablets.

[nandystam]

Interesting, do you use it ad hoc or you have to take them consistently?

[am50em]

Usually one in morning before riding then one before evening ride home. Originally recommended by GP trying to rid remnants of flu after a couple of months.

[find_bruce]

Have you tried seeing an Ear Nose & Throat specialist?

I was having terrible trouble & like you, nothing seemed to work - saw a few GPs over the years to no benefit. For me the ENT was able to rule out any major physical issue & prescribe a combination of saltwater nasal rinse & some steroids. It cleaned my nose up fairly quickly & we dropped the steroids & I just use the nasal rinse as needed. Its not the most pleasant thing to do but as it worked for me, all good.

[g-boaf]

With the colder months soon to return, I am wondering if anyone else suffers from this condition?

It seems like the colder air makes me nose run from start to finish during a winter ride, making it a rather unpleasant experience. I've tried the usual array of antihistamines and sprays, even non-PBS (expensive) medication without success.

It seems that something like a balaclava / neck warmer / snood might do the trick, as it would seem those would help warm/humidify the air before it gets breathed in, and that is my next option. Although that may scare a few people along the way

But I wanted to see if anyone else has a similar issue and what you've done to remedy it?

I'd try using a balaclava. Castelli had quite a good one they used to make, it makes things a lot more comfortable in colder weather especially with breathing in very cold air, but it does unfortunately mean that your glasses will fog up when you are breathing.

Usually one in morning before riding then one before evening ride home. Originally recommended by GP trying to rid remnants of flu after a couple of months.

Thanks for that suggestion, I will try that.

[nandystam]

Have you tried seeing an Ear Nose & Throat specialist?

I was having terrible trouble & like you, nothing seemed to work - saw a few GPs over the years to no benefit. For me the ENT was able to rule out any major physical issue & prescribe a combination of saltwater nasal rinse & some steroids. It cleaned my nose up fairly quickly & we dropped the steroids & I just use the nasal rinse as needed. Its not the most pleasant thing to do but as it worked for me, all good.

I haven't tried an ENT yet - if I had some other nose related issues unrelated to cycling, that probably would be enough to convince me to go. But it seems like it's only riding in winter is the only real issue.

I do get some hayfever like symptoms at the start of spring, but I have that under control with antihistamines. It'd be nice if they worked for this too