Any advice for runny nose?: Hi I am enjoying... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,110 members159,473 posts

Any advice for runny nose?

LizzyMB profile image
LizzyMBGraduate
9 Replies

Hi I am enjoying (?) doing my regular runs now but one thing that I really struggle with is a really runny nose. As soon as my body starts running so does my nose! I feel it impacts my breathing as quite difficult to blow your nose while running 🤣. I do feel “ blocked up” a lot in day to day life but just wondered if there were any tips for dealing with it? Thank you 😀

Written by
LizzyMB profile image
LizzyMB
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

I take 3 sheets of kitchen towel roll, run really slow while I blow my nose, but maybe antihistamines might dry it up a bit? I think a lot of runners have this problem, and it's ok to slow to a walk for a quick blow, unless you are going for world speed records of course

ChannelRunner2 profile image
ChannelRunner2Graduate

Between allergies and a nose that loves to run whenever I move, including while eating, I know that problem all too well! I've found that my Buff scarf comes in really handy since I tend to forget my runny nose and don't bring hankies to my runs... Since the runny nose isn't from a cold, I am not too worried about using the buff, plus I wash it out after the run.

Well, and if my nose is stopped up, I just breathe through my mouth. Although it seems that all the nose breathing I've been doing has made that necessary less often...

Bruch1 profile image
Bruch1Graduate

Same here! I just have to keep a hankie gripped in one hand and wipe as I go 😂

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorOn a breakGraduate

I’m allergic to most of nature so I’ve always got sturdy tissues with me. I take them in a sandwich bag so they don’t disintegrate in my pocket if I get sweaty. You’re not alone here!

Katger profile image
KatgerGraduate

I use a sterimar breathe easy saline nose spray before I go for my run. Helps flush it out a bit and loosen the muscus. Then take a pack of travel tissues with me.

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate

There is probably no cure for this, and little in the way of prevention, so I go go the combined approach of taking a cotton/linen handkerchief as opposed to tissues - it can be washed and don't fall apart in the rain. I also adopt a breath-in-through-my-nose-and-out-through-my-mouth style of breathing which counters the laws of physics!

If all else fails, and there is no-one else around, stop, bend forward, block one side of the snout and give a really good snort down it the other; then repeat for the otherwise. It keeps it clear for a little while, but it is most unladylike or ungentlemanly and best avoided in company. Even my dog would grumble!

LizzyMB profile image
LizzyMBGraduate

Thanks everyone. I’ll maybe have a look at the nasal spray - seems to be a common problem then . At least my tubes feel clearer afterwards 😂

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate

Thought this was just me!! I stop and have a good blow when crossing roads it’s the only way

Northernyokel profile image
Northernyokel

I think the medical diagnosis will be non-allergic rhinitis. Combined with asthma over years I’ve pretty much stabilised myself. A practice nurse at my GP showed me an nhs protocol for nasal flushing twice a day. Doesn’t cure it but makes it manageable day to day.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Runners Runny nose - any advice?

Completed W8R3 today and feeling really good. I've overcome the horrifically painful hamstrings of...
jmiles profile image
Graduate

Runny Nose

Does anyone else get a runny nose when they are running? In February, I blamed it on the cold....
drl212 profile image
Graduate

Runny nose

Been running for 6 weeks now and I’m still repeating week 1 but there is certainly improvement....
SamNotSammy profile image

Runny nose !

I always get a runny nose when I run. It’s a real pain. I thought it was normal but my husband...
Bunnyrunner profile image
Graduate

RUNNY NOSE RUN!

It must be a guy thing. Ladies never forget. Without fail, I always forget. ALWAYS! Without fail, I...
danzargo profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.