How does running affect my sinuses?

The Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail is full of our fellow Austinites enjoying all that our beautiful city has to offer. Although we may feel invigorated by the exercise our sinuses may be in for some real trouble after that exposure unless we know so tricks. 

Our respiratory rate increases and we have deep inspiration during outside exercise. The tiny allergens floating in the air are being inhaled repeatedly and are landing on the lining of our nose, sinuses, and lungs.  This allergy contact sets off a cascade of allergic responses that can initially produce sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. In the hours to follow congestion and sinus pressure can become a real problem. 

There are many effective ways to reduce this response so you can enjoy the run without the aftermath. 

An over the counter oral antihistamine taken an hour before the run can be very effective. 

Topical nasal antihistamine sprays available by prescription taken and hour before are even more helpful. Topical nasal steroid sprays available over the counter won't help much with the initial sneezing stage but can reduce the congestion and sinus pressure if taken regularly during your allergy season.

Immunotherapy available as allergy shots and allergy drops can also be effective if taken in advance of the allergy season to build up an immunity to the allergen. New allergy dissolving tablets under the tongue are helpful for people sensitive to grasses and ragweed. 

Saline rinses available over the counter are also helpful after the run to wash off the allergen and reduce the allergic response. You might consider rinsing with a saline rinse during a hot shower after the run.

Using these strategies can make your running more successful and enjoyable. See you on the trail.

Dan Slaughter, MD

Flying and Sinus Problems

Sinus problems are bad enough with normal, weather-related, barometric pressure changes. On an airplane, the pressure changes are much faster, and can be quite painful. Most people think of ear problems related to flying, but sinus pain results from a similar problem. Like the ears, the sinuses have small drainage pathways into the nose which allow pressure changes in our environment to move in and out of the sinuses. When there is narrowing or a complete blockage, the pressure around us can be greater (or lesser) than the air pressure in our sinuses. Whenever there is a significant difference between the two pressures, we feel pressure or pain. The severity of the pain depends on the completeness of the blockage. A completely blocked sinus will usually elicit a very severe, knife-like pain in the involved sinus, called a sinus squeeze. Partial blockages tend to cause more of the deep, aching pain. The best way to prevent these problems is to use a topical decongestant, like Afrin, as well as Sudafed prior to flying with nasal congestion. If this is a recurrent problem, there is probably a permanent obstruction which should be evaluated by an ear nose and throat physician.

Christopher Thompson, MD