08 Jul Constant runny nose: What can be behind it

You may be familiar with the situation: your nose is constantly running and tissues are in constant use. Even though it's not hay fever season and you don't suffer from any allergies. If secretions keep running out of your nose, this is not only unpleasant, but also annoying. In this article, we explain the possible causes of a runny nose.

Constant runny nose: These are possible triggers

Everyone knows that a cold makes your nose run. However, some patients also complain of a constantly runny nose. We explain which clinical pictures may be behind this:

Allergic rhinitis

The term "allergic rhinitis" is used to summarise various types of allergic rhinitis that are triggered by allergens in the air. The best-known form is hay fever. In this case, sufferers react to plant pollen, tiny pollen particles from trees, cereals, grasses and herbs in the air. However, reactions to house dust mites, animal hair or mould are also possible. Allergic rhinitis is accompanied by sneezing attacks, runny nose and a runny nose. blocked noseThe first step in therapy is to determine which allergens you are reacting to. The first step in therapy is to determine the allergens to which you are reacting. In our practice we carry out the Allergy diagnostics through.

Vasomotor rhinitis (hyperreflective rhinopathy)

This is a special form of rhinitis that can be accompanied by a constant runny nose. In vasomotor rhinitis, the nasal mucosa reacts hypersensitively to strong odours, hot drinks or strongly spiced food. Severe reactions to a change in temperature or physical exertion in cold air are also possible. Hyperreflective rhinopathy can also occur as a result of physical or emotional stress.

Non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis (NARE syndrome)

If we cannot diagnose any allergic or infectious triggers for your runny nose, the so-called NARE syndrome may be responsible for your symptoms. Those affected suffer from symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing attacks, blocked nose and itching in the nose and throat all year round. This clinical picture is often accompanied by Nasal polyps associated. Non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis can be treated with cortisone and/or surgical removal of the polyps.

Idiopathic rhinitis

Idiopathic rhinitis is often present if you have repeatedly suffered from rhinitis caused by viruses prior to the symptoms. Your mucous membrane may have become hypersensitive due to the viral infections.

Hormonal rhinitis

If your nose is constantly running, this can also be related to an overactive thyroid gland (known as hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland produces too many hormones, which can lead to a generally increased sensitivity to temperatures, among other things. The body reacts with a swelling of the nasal mucosa.

The thyroid gland is not the only possible trigger. Swelling of the nasal mucosa can also be caused by a general change in hormone levels, e.g. in pregnant women. Many women who are expecting a baby suffer from a blocked or runny nose due to the altered hormone levels. After the birth, the "pregnancy cold" usually disappears again.

Senile rhinorrhoea (senile drip nose)

The natural ageing process also affects the connective tissue of the nose and the cartilage structures. In many older patients, the nose becomes larger, its tip lowers and the nostrils collapse. Breathing becomes more difficult due to the resulting bottlenecks. In addition, there is an age-related reduction in the number of cells in the nose. This causes the mucous membranes to dry out more. Unpleasant crusts can develop. In senile rhinorrhoea, the body also reacts with excessive secretion production. The nasal mucosa produces too much secretion. In addition, the secretion transport often no longer functions as it used to.

The result: senile rhinorrhoea or senile drip nose. It manifests itself as persistent chronic watery rhinitis. Secretions drip more or less uncontrollably from the nose. External influences such as a change in temperature or spicy food can exacerbate the condition.

Crack in the sieve plate

If your nose is constantly running, there may also be a leak in the sieve plate. This is a wafer-thin bone that separates the paranasal sinus from the organs in the head. Further examinations should be carried out, especially if there is heavy nasal discharge following a head injury, an accident or after an operation. A tear in the sieve plate can lead to cerebrospinal fluid escaping from the skull. This cerebrospinal fluid then flows out via the nose.

Constant runny nose: Clarification by your ENT specialist in Frankfurt

Before we can initiate treatment for your nasal complaints, we need to investigate the cause. In our ENT practice in Frankfurt we first check whether an allergic or infectious cause is the cause of your nasal discharge. There are various diagnostic methods for this, such as Endoscopy of the noseallergy tests, blood analyses or laboratory tests of the Nasal secretions.

The treatment of your runny nose depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Possible treatments include medication, household remedies such as nasal rinsing or Surgical measures.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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