About Allergies: What Causes a Runny Nose in Cold Weather?

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD  Most of us have had the experience -- walking outside on a cold, winter day, and your nose turns into a faucet. You're not sick, and your nose wasn't running when you were indoors. But the cold (or windy) weather does it every time -- you need Kleenex around just so your nose doesn't drip all over your face and clothes. What's the deal? It's not an allergy, but a non-allergic phenomenon known as vasomotor rhinitis. Most allergy medicines won't help these symptoms -- but if symptoms are severe, or you're planning on spending lots of time outdoors in cold weather -- there is a prescription nasal spray called ipratropium bromide that can dry up that drip. Runny Noses in Cold Weather It could be allergies caused by pollen or mold in the air, but when you only have a runny nose when outdoors, it is most likely because of vasomotor rhinitis, which is a type of nonallergic rhinitis caused by changes in temperature, humidity and exposure to strong odors and perfumes. Usually, a person with vasomotor rhinitis will have production of clear nasal discharge that may drain out of the front of the nose, down the back of the throat or result in nasal congestion. Non-Allergic Rhinitis Non-allergic rhinitis is a medical condition of unknown cause, leading to symptoms very similar to allergic rhinitis, or hay-fever. Approximately half of people suffering from allergies also have a non-allergic component to their symptoms. Unlike allergies, which can be a seasonal problem, symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are typically year-round. Non-allergic rhinitis also tends to be more common as people age, whereas allergic rhinitis tends to affect children and young adults. Non-allergic rhinitis has many different forms... Symptom-Based Approach to Treatment of Allergies For the person with nasal allergy symptoms, the choices of available medicines can be daunting. From pills to nasal sprays, it can be quite difficult to decide which medication is best for your symptoms. While there is no one-size-fits-all allergy medicine, there may be better choices based on the kind of symptoms you're experiencing. Search Related Topics:  allergy symptoms  allergy diagnosis  allergy treatment Eight Things to Do For Your Asthma in 2014 Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes symptoms of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Studies show that asthma affects 1 in every 8 to 12... Read more Related Searches Allergies Asthma Allergies Symptoms Mold Allergies Allergy Allergies Runny Nose Featured Articles Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement