Why Does My Nose Run - And Other Common Allergy Questions

Allergies got you down? Wondering how to get relief? Namrata Shidhaye, MD, a family physician at Duke Primary Care Waverly Place, helps sort out the causes and cures for your annoying runny nose. The older I get, the more my nose runs. Can you develop seasonal allergies as an adult that you didn’t have as a child?
Yes, adults can develop environmental allergies at any age. Asthma can develop during adulthood as well. A runny nose isn’t always a sign of allergies, though. Older individuals may experience runny nose due to age-related physical changes—some people, as they age, develop overactive tear ducts and nasal secretions (it’s called cholinergic hyperactivity). Also, some medications taken for other conditions such as high blood pressure, prostate enlargement, or erectile dysfunction can cause a runny nose as a side effect. How do I know when it’s just a cold? When should I consider seeing an allergy specialist?
A common cold is usually associated with a variety of symptoms in addition to a runny nose: cough, body aches, fatigue, and occasional yellow nasal discharge. All of these symptoms usually resolve in one to two weeks. Allergies occur immediately after contact with the allergens that provoke them. They’re associated with clear discharge from the nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes, and the symptoms persist as long as contact with the allergens continues. Body aches are unlikely, but fatigue may occasionally occur with allergies. Your primary care...
Source: DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Duke Primary Care Source Type: news